Who We Are
We are Penn State. We include students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, families, fans, and more. We are thousands strong. We have supporters throughout the Commonwealth, the U.S. and the world. We hope you’ll join us, too.
Our Mission
Advocate Penn State seeks to create a better Penn State. We do so by connecting members of the Penn State community with elected officials to share their stories of how a stronger Penn State means a stronger Pennsylvania.
The Challenge
Now, more than ever, we need to continue to demonstrate the impact that Penn State has across our Commonwealth to ensure we remain a leading, accessible and affordable University. Persistent budget challenges in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. mean that funding for higher education is no longer a sure thing.
We see the many ways that Penn State contributes to our state daily through innovative research, award-winning academic programs, and our amazing students, graduates, and faculty. You can help us share the impact that Penn State has on you, your family and our state by helping us advocate for Penn State.
Who’s Involved
Advocate Penn State includes individuals from around the globe. Advocates include students, alumni, families, faculty, staff, and supporters from all 50 states and several different countries. Anyone who has a connection to Penn State can be an advocate.
We Need Your Voice
Advocate Penn State gives you the opportunity to share your Penn State story and make your voice heard. If you can tell your story about how important Penn State is to you, your family or your community, you can be an Advocate.
Become a Penn State Advocate by entering your info below—it’s that easy. Once you become an Advocate, we’ll keep you up to date on Advocate Penn State news, show you how to communicate with your lawmakers, invite you to events in your area and connect you with fellow advocates.
Success Stories
Our success leads to student success.
2020
2020-2021 was an important year for advocacy at Penn State as the University adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A record-breaking, virtual Capital Day event sent over 1,500 messages demonstrating the value of Penn State to legislators all around the Commonwealth. This led to stability in continued funding for Penn State’s general appropriation.
Advocate Penn State’s first federally focused campaign added the Nittany Lion voice to securing Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds, which provided a lifeline to both the University and its students dealing with the fiscal challenges associated with COVID-19.
2019
In 2019, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) Board of Directors considered increasing grant amounts for online students. Previously, online learners like those with Penn State World Campus only qualified for a portion of the support given to in-person learners. After hearing from our advocates, the Board approved an increase, giving extra support to more Penn Staters each year.
2017
In 2017, the Pennsylvania budget was delayed for the second time in three years as questions were being raised about the value of state funding for Penn State. A letter from President Eric Barron encouraged 10,000 individuals to contact their legislators and, ultimately, our action led to an increase in funding for the 2018-2019 school year. This protected students and their families from a mid-year tuition increase and ensured Penn State remained affordable.
FAQs
What is the role of a Penn State Advocate?
“The role of a Penn State advocate is to speak up for Penn State and show your Blue & White Pride! Advocacy is such a crucial element with our continued relationship with our University. An impactful advocate engages in all Advocate Penn State campaigns like signing petitions and writing into their elected officials during our annual Capital Day. Help us advocate for Dear Old State even more by engaging with us on social media, getting others to sign up to be advocates, and join us for Advocate Penn State events!” – Jimi Werner ’14, Advocacy and Communications Specialist
Why should I be an advocate?
“If Penn State is important to you or a loved one, being an advocate can be a great way to give back! By sharing your voice, you can help make sure that Penn State will continue providing an affordable world-class education for generations to come.” – Jimi Werner ’14, Advocacy and Communications Specialist
How can I advocate in between action campaigns?
“Advocates can continue their advocacy in a number of ways. Most importantly, we’re always looking to add more advocates and spread the word of Penn State advocacy. We encourage you to direct people to advocate.psu.edu to have them join our community and engage with Advocate Penn State on social media. Plus, be sure you stay engaged with local, state, and federal government and issues that speak to Penn State’s mission!” – Jimi Werner ’14, Advocacy and Communications Specialist
How can alumni get involved with advocacy?
“We are stronger together! Adding your voice to the more than 750,000 alumni through Advocate Penn State shows the power of the Penn State network. Sign up for Advocate Penn State alerts today at advocate.psu.edu!” – Paul Clifford ’20g, CEO and Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations
Why is it important for Alumni to get involved in advocacy?
“Keeping Penn State strong maintains and increases the value of our Penn State degrees! Alumni must lend their voices on behalf of Penn State to ensure that our funding allows us to deliver the education that all Penn Staters deserve.” – Paul Clifford ’20g, CEO and Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations
Can I advocate if I'm not a Pennsylvania resident?
“Of course! Anyone can be a Penn State advocate, and it is highly encouraged for non-Pennsylvania residents to advocate since state appropriations funding provides benefits for all students, such as providing and maintaining student opportunities. For instance, due to appropriation funds, the Invent Penn State was able to expand their services, providing entrepreneurial opportunities to all students and community members!” – Amber Gordon, Lion Caucus Student Director of Outreach and Florida resident
Why should I advocate if I am not a Pennsylvania resident?
“You should advocate even if you are not a Pennsylvania resident because through sharing your Penn State story and experiences with others, such as governing officials, you are able to help secure vital funding for Penn State, which helps the university provide necessary resources and opportunities to promote an equitable and accessible education for all students.” – Amber Gordon, Lion Caucus Student Director of Outreach and Florida resident
What is Lion Caucus?
Lion Caucus is a University-affiliated student organization connected with Penn State’s Office of Government and Community Relations. They are a group of student advocates that seeks to educate fellow students about Penn State’s legislative priorities while advocating to elected officials from a student perspective. You can learn all about the organization and their efforts by clicking here.
