Our Mission
The Readiness Institute at Penn State unites education, industry, and community to foster transformative collaborations and create innovative experiences, empowering Pennsylvanians to thrive through readiness for their communities and the future.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every Pennsylvanian is equipped with the skills, mindsets, and values necessary to design and lead a meaningful, purpose-driven life in their personal, professional, and civic endeavors.
Thank You to Our Supporters
- Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
- Community Foundation for the Alleghenies
- The Heinz Endowments
- Hillman Foundation
- Mark Cuban Foundation
- RK Mellon Foundation
Our Story
The Readiness Institute’s journey began with a compelling question posed by community stakeholders: “What would it take to prepare each and every Pittsburgher for personal, professional, and civic success?”
This question sparked a broader conversation about readiness — moving beyond traditional college and career preparation to a holistic approach encompassing community and future readiness. Guided by input from education, community, and business leaders, the concept grew into a comprehensive initiative, emphasizing real-world knowledge, trusting relationships, team building, problem-solving, and modern literacies. Today, the Readiness Institute embodies this vision through innovative programming and partnerships that empower learners and redefine success.
Our Programs Focus on Three Areas
for K-12 Students
for K-12 Students - Creating pathways for K-12 students to discover current and future opportunities across Pennsylvania, highlighting the critical role of higher education — particularly a Penn State education — in achieving their aspirations.
for College Students and Young Professionals
for College Students and Young Professionals - Inspiring young adults to excel in their personal growth, career aspirations, and community engagement by fostering adaptability and equipping them with the foundational skills needed to thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing world.
for Educators and Community
for Educators and Community - Fostering collaboration among education, industry, and community sectors by leveraging Penn State’s resources to create flexible, inviting spaces that drive innovation and transformative impact.
Our Goals
Educate the Whole Person
Empower learners to explore their identities and develop social and emotional skills.
Empower Diverse Educators
Support educators in diverse settings to discover effective teaching methods.
Build Complementary Expertise
Foster collaboration among education, industry, and community to create comprehensive learning and career pathways.
Collaborate with Employers
Reformulate the employer-employee relationship to celebrate human ingenuity and address global economic forces.
Redefine Learner Roles
Prioritize rigor and relevance through project-based and real-world experiences.
Design Community-Based Learning
Ensure that valued jobs of the future are accessible and attainable for Pittsburghers.
Reimagine Civic Education
Strengthen shared humanity and foster civic participation for a more harmonious future.
How We Define Success
Collaborative Efforts
Collaborative efforts across education, industry, and community sectors that produce a more relevant and innovative workforce.
Unified Approach
Unified project-based experiences and personalized learning approaches integrated into secondary school curricula.
Validation
Validation of diverse data, research, lived experiences, and community voices.
Multiple Pathways
Identification and support of multiple learning and career pathways for all students.