UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Two innovative experiential learning opportunities designed to help undergraduate students develop leadership skills, gain hands-on experience, and create meaningful impact in Pennsylvania communities are available through Penn State Outreach.
The Max and Shirley Kogan Museum Experience Fund and Experiential Learning Social Impact Fellows program provide students with funding and support to pursue immersive learning experiences that extend their education beyond the classroom.
Mike Zeman, director of experiential learning for Penn State Outreach, said experiential learning gives students the opportunity to discover who they are, what they care about, and how they can make a meaningful contribution to the world around them.
“Opportunities like the Kogan Museum Experience Fund and the Experiential Learning Social Impact Fellows program allow students to take what they are learning in the classroom and apply it in authentic settings while building the skills, confidence and connections that can shape both their future and the communities they serve,” Zeman said. “Both experiences will help to prepare students to be future and career ready.”
Max and Shirley Kogan Museum Experience Fund
Created by Penn State graduate Jason Kogan, the Max and Shirley Kogan Museum Experience Fund supports undergraduate students who are interested in museum-based experiential learning opportunities including museum visits, internships and attendance at professional museum conferences in the United States.
Experiences gained through these awards offer students the chance to develop one or more National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Competencies, including career readiness, communication and critical-thinking skills, professional experience, and teamwork, and introduce students to museums and the museum field.
Applicants who are approved can receive up to a $2,000 award, with higher amounts considered on a case-by-case basis.
Visit the Max and Shirley Kogan Museum Experience Fund webpage for grant funding and program requirements and to apply. The application deadline is Sept. 20.
Experiential Learning Social Impact Fellows
The Experiential Learning Social Impact Fellows program, funded by the Rockwell Foundation, is a new, high-impact experiential learning opportunity offering undergraduate students a unique chance to develop and pursue purpose by working on challenges faced by communities across the commonwealth, connecting their classroom knowledge to real-world experiences and community impact.
Impact Fellows receive $2,000 to advance Outreach’s civic engagement through faculty-and staff-guided work with local, regional, state and global collaborators.
Participants will have an opportunity to develop an outcome-focused portfolio and grow through beyond-the-classroom engagement and professional networking opportunities that address community and civic challenges.
The application will open Oct. 1, and the deadline to apply is Nov. 22. Students from all disciplines are invited to apply.
Visit the Experiential Learning Social Impact Fellows webpage for program requirements and more.
An informational meeting about the Experiential Learning Social Impact Fellows program will be held via Zoom at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Sept. 17.