Diversity and Community Engagement

What does it mean to belong to a diverse and inclusive environment?

It means building a supportive and accepting campus.

By engaging in diversity education and service learning experiences, you’ll create connections within your community and make a difference on campus!

Community Peer Educators

This unique student leadership position works to create a positive campus community.

Learn about Community Peer Educators

LGBTQ Services

We are committed to serving the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students at Penn College and work to educate our campus community on LGBTQ issues and concerns.

Learn about LGBTQ Services

Community of Respect

We are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.

Learn about our community

Student Organizations

Meet like-minded people and expand your experiences by getting involved.

View Student Organizations

Civic Responsibility and Community Engagement

Make connections: learn about the local community and use your volunteer experience to engage with others.

Learn about Civic Responsibility and Community Engagement

Multicultural Programs

Enjoy programming that highlights different cultures, backgrounds, and identities.

Learn about Multicultural Programs

Community Peer Educators

At Penn College the Community Peer Educators (CPEs) serve the campus community by educating on diversity and inclusion, interpersonal violence and suicide prevention, health and wellness, and community engagement. The CPEs assist in developing a more diverse, knowledgeable, and collaborative student community by:

engaging students in passive and large scale programming on a variety of topics, including but not limited to; mental and physical health resources, campus and community service opportunities, bystander initiatives, and diversity and inclusiveness
serving as a link between the campus administration/faculty/staff and their student community members
promoting a safer environment both on and off-campus

Interested in learning more? Contact a CPE

LGBTQ Services

Serving the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students is very important at Penn College. Various departments on campus work to educate and enhance the understanding of LGBTQ issues and concerns.

Community of Respect

You have the ability to make a difference and STAND UP for what is right. One of the four Value Statements at Penn College is Community of Respect: we are committed to diversity, inclusiveness, tolerance, and civility. We recognize that respect and individual differences is the foundation of civil behavior across the College behavior.

During Connections, you will have the opportunity to take the Penn College Pledge!

As a contributing member of the Penn College Community:

I challenge myself to continually learn and grow
I am fair and just in the treatment of others
I take personal responsibility for my choices and actions
I promote the free exchange of ideas and opinions
I promote a community of respect
I hold myself and those around me accountable to this pledge

Student Organizations

Socialize and network with others who share your interests. Gain new perspectives by joining an organization with a focus on diversity and community engagement initiatives. Get involved today!

Minority Lending Knowledge (MLK)

Minority Lending Knowledge embraces, values and respects a variety of social and cultural characteristics including, but not limited to race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and religion.

PC Alliance

The purpose of Alliance is to improve the visibility, strength, and support of the Penn College lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, and allied (LGBTQA) communities through an educational and social environment.

Penn College Benefitting THON

A student fundraising organization affiliated with Penn State Dance Marathon (THON). We are committed to raise money and awareness in an effort to conquer pediatric cancer.

Penn College Circle K

Circle K International (CKI) develops college and university students into a global network of responsible citizens and leaders with a lifelong commitment to service.

Non-Traditional Student Organization

The mission of the Non-Traditional Student Organization is to connect and support students who fit the definition of an “adult learner” as defined by the College.

Veterans Club

To provide a safe environment for student veterans to help one another facilitate and acclimate to the transition from military life to the college community and to create a positive social network based on fellowship, mentorship, and camaraderie.

Civic Responsibility and Community Engagement

Civic engagement, or volunteerism, is a great way to make a difference and can be a rewarding complement to your academic experience. Through volunteerism you can:

Develop leadership skills
Strengthen interpersonal skills
Meet new people and build long-lasting relationships
Help make a positive difference in the community
Gain valuable resume experience
Feel great about your contributions

Each year our office plans an Alternative Spring Break experience, a trip designed to give back to others over the break. In addition, we work with many community partners to host and offer various service events to students.

Multicultural Programs

Multicultural Programs are thematic celebrations, educational experiences, and awareness events. Below are some examples of annual celebrations held at various times throughout the year.

Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic/Latinx individuals. At Penn College, we honor and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with various educational and social events throughout the month.

Dream Week

Each year, the Penn College and Williamsport community celebrates the life and values of Martin Luther King, Jr. through service, activities, and guest speakers. Dream Week begins with a Peace Walk and Day of Service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central roles of black individuals in the U.S. history. At Penn College, we honor and celebrate Black History Month through month long educational and social events.

Women’s History Month

Women's History Month is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history. Each year Penn College hosts events honoring and celebrating women’s contributions to shaping our society, and our community. The annual Awesome Women Exemplar (AWE) ceremony is hosted each March, celebrating and honoring the female students who make a difference in our Penn College community.

Pride Week

Pride Week is an annual event honoring and celebrating LGBTQ life. Each April, staff, faculty, and students plan events for the Penn College community to raise awareness about and celebrate the LGBTQ community.