Pathway to Success: Summer Start (PaSSS) and Excelerate is a six-week program available to select first-year Behrend students. As a PaSSS and Excelerate participant, you can access tools and resources that increase the likelihood that you not only will earn a Penn State degree, but also will do so in four years or fewer, potentially saving you and your family thousands of dollars in tuition and fees.
PaSSS and Excelerate begins the summer prior to your first year at Penn State Behrend. If you successfully complete your first year at the college, you will be eligible to continue the program the following summer.
Once you’ve taken the first step through PaSSS, you can enhance your experiences through the Excelerate portion of the program. A partnership of Erie Insurance and Penn State Behrend, Excelerate gives you first preference for special internship and research stipends later in your Behrend studies.
What will you get from PaSSS and Excelerate?
- Start college in a more relaxed summer setting.
- Become familiar with the campus, meet faculty and staff, and learn about campus resources before the start of the fall semester.
- Meet classmates earlier and make new friends.
- Work with peer mentors and tutors to increase your success in your first year of college.
- Receive special financial incentives: A scholarship of at least $3,000 the first summer (based on 6 credits of coursework) and the possibility of earning additional $6,000 in scholarship money in subsequent summers.
- Create academic and engagement action plans.
Who may benefit from PaSSS and Excelerate?
You might be a good fit if you meet at least one of the following:
- Eligible for a federal Pell grant or a Pennsylvania state grant (PHEAA)
- The first in your family to attend college
- Come from backgrounds or experiences that are not always well represented in college
- High school record or assessments indicate additional academic preparation needed in math or English
Estimated Costs and Scholarships
Type of Cost | Pennsylvania Residents | Non-Pennsylvania Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition for 6 credits | $3,846 | $6,660 |
| Fees | $154 | $154 |
| Books (approximate) | $200 | $200 |
| Scholarship | -$3,000 | -$3,000 |
| Total cost to student | $1,200 | $4,014 |
Some students may be eligible for a Pell Grant of up to $1,849 and other financial aid such as grants and/or student loans. If residential program is chosen, housing will be available at an additional cost. Students will be eligible for a campus housing benefit of $2,000 to assist with food and housing costs.
How do I apply for PaSSS and Excelerate?
To be eligible, you must be admitted to Penn State Behrend for summer or fall 2026. If you haven’t yet applied for admission, please submit your Penn State application before completing the PaSSS application.
Once admitted, here’s what you'll do:
- File your 2025–26 FAFSA by May 1 to receive summer financial aid (you’ll also complete the 2026–27 FAFSA for fall)
- Complete your ALEKS math assessment by May 1
- Participate in the PaSSS kickoff event on May 18 (in person) or May 19 (virtual)
- Attend New Student Orientation on June 29
- Attend Summer Start Day on June 30
- Take two summer courses from July 1 to August 13