Giving students opportunities to learn and grow beyond the classroom is the idea behind the open-laboratory strategy at Penn State Behrend. In open-lab learning, students and faculty members engage with external partners—in business and industry, non-profit and community organizations, and others. The goal may be to design a new product, analyze the feasibility of a new service, address a particular market challenge, or improve a business process.
In some programs of study, Penn State Behrend students are required to complete a practical experience such as a capstone project or student teaching. In all of our programs, pursuing opportunities to gain experience through internships, co-ops, undergraduate research projects, and other activities is strongly encouraged for all students.
Open-lab learning is a win-win: External partners benefit from the energy and ingenuity of student talent, while students gain career-building, real-world experience.