The PennWest 2025-2026 Impact Report highlights the university’s achievements, partnerships, student success initiatives, philanthropic support and investments made during the academic year. The report showcases how PennWest is creating opportunity, strengthening communities and expanding access to education across Pennsylvania and beyond.

The report is designed for students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, community partners, employers, media and external stakeholders who want to understand PennWest’s progress, priorities and impact.

Visitors can explore highlights by topic, read supporting stories, review key metrics, learn about PennWest’s strategic direction and download a PDF summary for sharing with external stakeholders.

PennWest supports student success through academic advising, experiential learning opportunities, career-connected education, student support services and innovative programs designed to improve retention, graduationand career outcomes. During 2025-2026, PennWest expanded its Exploratory Studies program, launched the Experiential Learning Center and continued investing in student success initiatives.

Ninety-six percent of PennWest graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.

PennWest works closely with employers, healthcare organizations, professional associations and community partners to align academic programs with workforce demands. Students gain practical experience through internships, research, experiential learning, industry certifications and community-engaged projects.

Experiential learning includes internships, clinical placements, research, service learning, global experiences, leadership opportunities and other high-impact practices that help students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

PennWest expanded partnerships with organizations including Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, the National Academy of Sports Medicine and Google. These collaborations create new educational pathways, expand workforce development opportunities and provide students with access to industry-recognized credentials and emerging technologies.

P.E.A.K. at PennWest connects university resources, students and faculty expertise with regional businesses and entrepreneurs. The initiative supports economic growth while giving students opportunities to apply classroom learning to real business challenges.

The Google partnership provides no-cost AI training and credentials through the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, helping learners build practical skills in emerging technologies and responsible AI use.

PennWest supports economic development, workforce preparation, entrepreneurship and community engagement throughout western Pennsylvania and beyond. Programs such as P.E.A.K., service initiatives and regional partnerships help strengthen communities while providing valuable learning experiences for students.

Students contribute through service projects, internships, research, community-engaged coursework, filmmaking, entrepreneurship support, healthcare and education experiences, athletics and campus-based outreach efforts.

The Big Event is a community service project in which nearly 400 PennWest California students participated to support community members and enhance campus and neighborhood spaces.

PennWest continues to invest in modern academic facilities, campus improvements, strategic planning and leadership development. Major initiatives include the new Science Center, the three-campus Facilities Master Plan and development of the university’s next Strategic Plan.

The new Science Center at PennWest California is a three-story, 63,500-square-foot facility that will support biology, chemistry, physics and Earth and environmental sciences programs with modern teaching, laboratory and collaborative learning spaces. The project is expected to reach completion in spring 2027.

The Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap for the university’s future, guiding decisions and investments over the next three years. It outlines PennWest’s priorities for strengthening student success, advancing academic excellence, growing enrollment, supporting workforce development and ensuring long-term sustainability.

The Facilities Master Plan is a three-campus planning initiative designed to guide future investments, improve space utilization, modernize facilities and align PennWest’s campuses with student success, operational efficiency, sustainability and long-term growth. The plan is scheduled for completion in spring 2027.

Gifts from alumni, donors and friends help fund scholarships, academic programs, facility improvements and student experiences. Philanthropic investments such as the Eberly College naming gift, the Still Hall renovation and annual Day of Giving directly support student success and the university’s long-term growth.

$283,426 was raised through Day of Giving by 8,987 donors.

PennWest secured $27 million in federal, state and private grant funding to expand educational access, student support services, workforce development initiatives and research opportunities. Major awards included renewed TRIO funding and grants supporting adaptive athletics and the Deaf Education Apprenticeship project.

Within Reach is PennWest’s brand strategy that reflects the university’s commitment to accessible, achievable and life-changing education. The campaign highlights PennWest’s values of resiliency, practicality, communityand empowerment while strengthening awareness of the university across the region and beyond.

PennWest earned national honors in the 41st Annual Educational Advertising Awards for its Power of PennWest integrated marketing campaign and podcast, recognizing excellence in storytelling, creativity and engagement.

As PennWest looks ahead, the university remains committed to transforming lives through accessible, high-quality education while serving as a catalyst for opportunity, innovation and community impact throughout western Pennsylvania and beyond.