UNIVERSITY PARK, PA — Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi discussed Penn State’s contribution to Center County and Pennsylvania at a Center County Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CBICC) lunch on Thursday, January 20 economic impact, and the importance of the university’s partnership with the state’s business community. 26.
Bendapdi shared her thoughts and vision for Penn State’s role in economic and workforce development at the statewide and local levels. The event was a question-and-answer format, moderated by CBICC President and CEO Greg Scott.
Bendapudi spoke of Penn State as a significant contributor to Pennsylvania’s economy, noting that the University’s total economic contribution is $11.6 billion; it directly and indirectly supports 105,000 jobs across the Commonwealth; a record $1 billion in research last year spending; and the more than 390,000 Penn alumni who live and work in Pennsylvania.
“What’s good for Pennsylvania is good for Pennsylvania; what’s good for Penn State is good for Pennsylvania,” she told the crowd, emphasizing the university’s commitment to having a positive impact on the Commonwealth through its land-grant mission.
In a discussion attended by some 200 local businesses and public officials, Bendapdi highlighted Penn State’s desire to partner with the local business community, especially to meet workforce needs, encourage growth and attract new businesses to the region.
“You are the creators of the work. You volunteer. You show up. You matter — thank you,” Bundapudhi said.
By leveraging Penn State’s existing research strengths, intellectual capital and talented faculty and students, Bendapdi said Penn State is a partner willing to help local businesses and business owners thrive, while also making Center County a Where new businesses want to be located. Bendapdi praised Scott and the CBICC leadership for their efforts to pursue “smart growth,” with a focus on directing resources to high-impact opportunities.
As part of the partnership, Bendapdi encourages local Pennsylvania businesses to tap the talents of Penn State students through internships. Specifically, she reminds business owners to consider opportunities for first-generation students and students from low-income backgrounds. Penn State students are highly sought after by employers — she cites a 2019 survey in which corporate recruiters ranked Penn State tied with MIT in the nation for education and graduate job readiness Fives. She said internships were a win-win for both students and businesses, as they provided students with important work experience in the short term, while also giving them the opportunity to learn about long-term employment opportunities in the Midlands and across the state.
“It’s an amazing community and my family and I feel very welcome,” said Bendapdi, who moved to State University with his family last year. “Penn State is an amazing institution, and State College is an impressive place. People either want to stay, or leave and want to come back. Collaboration is important to us so that people can work, live here and entertainment — it’s a beautiful place. We have a strong foundation to build and develop talented people throughout our community.”
In line with her commitment to student success and the success of the federal economy, Bendapudi spoke of the need to align Penn State’s academic programs with the needs of the state’s economy so that students remain highly employable and career-ready.
She said Penn State’s continued efforts to stay at the forefront of career trends are critical to Penn State’s continued growth in state funding by providing an accessible and affordable education that is attractive to the state’s best and brightest students. education. She noted that having a talented and educated workforce is key to the state’s long-term economic prospects and central to attracting new businesses to Pennsylvania.