UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For six decades, the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) has been a catalyst for economic growth, environmental stewardship and technological advancement across Pennsylvania. Today, it’s a trusted partner for businesses seeking long-term operational and energy efficiencies, or looking to leverage Penn State’s research, expertise and talent.
Reflecting on its 60th year, PennTAP is celebrating growing statewide impact and a leadership role in one of Pennsylvania’s most significant grant programs.
Since its early days, PennTAP has championed innovation to help Pennsylvania businesses thrive. In the 1970s, before sustainability became mainstream, advisers guided manufacturers in adopting energy-efficient technologies. By the 1990s, PennTAP was helping businesses navigate the digital revolution. Today, it continues to support manufacturing, agriculture and emerging industries, while driving workforce development initiatives that are preparing Pennsylvania for the future.
PennTAP’s proven track record — including more than $70 million in economic benefits over the past 10 years — helped secure its leadership role in the commonwealth’s RISE PA grant program. Funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants, RISE PA is a $396 million statewide industrial decarbonization initiative and the second-largest federal grant in Pennsylvania history.
As administrator of the program’s small award track, PennTAP will distribute $40 million over five years to small and mid-sized manufacturers for projects that reduce industrial emissions and increase manufacturer competitiveness. RISE PA is poised to make a significant statewide economic and environmental impact and marks PennTAP’s first time serving as a grant administrator.
“Being selected to play a pivotal role in RISE PA is a testament to PennTAP’s commitment to measurable impact,” said PennTAP Director Tanna Pugh. “It also illustrates the success of our service model, which blends technical expertise with personalized guidance. Our technical advisers identify challenges, discover opportunities and guide businesses to implement solutions that drive clear results. Whether helping a manufacturer reduce energy costs or guiding a startup through grant applications, our advisers listen, collaborate and tailor solutions to meet unique challenges.”
PennTAP’s RISE PA Program Manager Olivia Yost emphasized the program’s potential: “RISE PA could reduce industrial emissions in Pennsylvania by 10%, which is significant. It also boosts the competitiveness of our manufacturing sector. Small and mid-sized manufacturers could receive up to 50% of project costs for energy efficiency upgrades, leading to long-term energy savings and a more sustainable future. It’s a win for manufacturers, the environment and Pennsylvania’s economy.”
Beyond RISE PA, PennTAP continues to support businesses across Pennsylvania with energy and operational efficiency recommendations, grant guidance and connections to Penn State resources.
“Our impact truly spans the state,” Pugh said. “In 2024, we expanded our team with new technical advisers in the southwest near Pittsburgh and the southeast near Philadelphia, extending our reach to seven regions.”
PennTAP advisers collaborate with Penn State departments and faculty, Commonwealth Campuses and Invent Penn State LaunchBoxes to help companies access resources like research, talent, tools, equipment and commercialization pathways.
“One leading example is our partnership with Penn State Engineering’s Learning Factory,” Pugh noted. “Since 2018, PennTAP has helped facilitate 195 Learning Factory projects, benefiting those companies and giving students hands-on experience and valuable career connections.”
As PennTAP looks toward its seventh decade, it remains committed to its mission: helping Pennsylvania thrive with technical assistance, innovation and collaboration.
“As always, we’ll measure the full impact of our work in 2025 and look forward to sharing our 60th year annual report in early 2026,” Pugh said. “Our legacy is built on listening, adapting and delivering solutions — and we’re excited to continue that work for decades to come.”
To learn more or connect with an adviser, visit penntap.psu.edu.