Penn State's Economic and Community Development programs usually fall under one of our four thematic areas, listed below.
Leadership
Pennsylvania's future depends upon leaders of civic and nonprofit groups, youth organizations, local government, and the business sector having the skills and ability to capitalize on opportunities and proactively respond to challenges. Our strong curriculum-based local leadership programs teach these emerging and existing leaders the wide range of skills necessary to play such productive roles.
Community Decision Making
Everyone stands to benefit from well-informed community decision making. Communities can avoid costly mistakes that waste tax dollars. They can capitalize on, rather than squander, opportunities for improving quality of life. Community groups can work together for common purposes rather than at cross-purposes. Local government, non-profit groups, and other can gain the support of residents, avoid major conflicts, and increase their potential for success. The community can nurture its leaders so there is continuity in direction and clear opportunities for everyone to be involved in determining the future.
Place-based Economic Development
Nationally and within Pennsylvania, most new jobs result from existing local businesses expanding or from local people starting new business, rather than from recruiting businesses from other locations. Place-based economic development strategies build upon each community's existing advantages - the workforce, transportation, communication systems, access to markets and other business activities, and local amenities. Our programs are designed to benefit everyone in the community by helping to create equal opportunities to enter the workforce or start a business, viable local economies for community businesses and employees, and cost-effective local economic development strategies.
Community-based Agricultural Development
Farms and agriculture don't exist in a vacuum, but rather influence and are influenced by the communities in which they exist. Our community-based agricultural development programs connect farming with general community and economic development efforts, helping policy-makers and the public understand agriculture's role, the importance of farming, and what the public can do to help agriculture grow and thrive.
