McKEESPORT, Pa. — When Penn State Extension moved its Allegheny County office to Penn State Greater Allegheny earlier this fall, the campus community hoped the new partnership would spark collaboration. Just weeks later, that hope has already turned into hands-on learning experiences, new connections and early signs of long-term impact.
As part of the lab component of General Biology (BIOL 110L), students recently participated in a Tree ID walk led by Penn State Extension educators Brian Wolyniak and Sandy Feather. Working with a schematic identification guide, students examined leaves, branches and bark to identify various species across campus.
According to Andrea Stevens, assistant teaching professor of biology, the activity supported the course’s exploration of biodiversity and the tree of life. The walk provided students with an opportunity to apply biological concepts in the field and consider how these skills connect to potential career paths, including areas such as urban forestry.
While the biology students explored the natural landscape, another Extension program was taking root inside McKeesport Hall. Makaila Smith, nutrition education adviser with Penn State Extension, led a workshop focused on building healthier and more affordable eating habits.
Students completed a questionnaire about their daily food choices, learned simple strategies for reading nutrition information, and practiced preparing quick, cost-effective meals that fit a college schedule. Additional workshops are planned for the remainder of the fall semester.
These early collaborations demonstrate how Extension is integrating into campus life, supporting academic learning, offering practical resources and helping students make meaningful connections between what they study and how they live. The move has also strengthened pathways for continued partnership between campus faculty, staff and Extension educators.
Penn State Extension’s Allegheny County office is located on the first floor of Main Building. Community members may visit the office during regular business hours, using Red Lot parking off University Drive. Accessible parking is available in front of the building.