The Open Lab at Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend is an Open Lab: a living laboratory where learning and discovery are applied to real-world challenges through meaningful engagement beyond the classroom. Students and faculty members work with business, industry, nonprofit, government, and community partners to develop new products, improve processes, explore new services, support research, and address organizational and community needs. As part of the college’s strategic plan, every Behrend student will complete at least one documented Open Lab experience before graduation.

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Open Lab Learning for Students

The Open Lab elevates classroom learning with professional, community, and research experiences that help students build confidence, networks, and a résumé strengthened by real-world work. Students may participate through internships, co-ops, significant undergraduate research, industry-sponsored projects, community-based collaborations, and other experiences that apply learning beyond the classroom.

Explore Open Lab learning for students
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Open Lab for Business and Community Partners

Businesses, organizations, and communities can work with Behrend students and faculty members to address challenges, test ideas, develop solutions, and connect with emerging talent. Partnerships may involve applied research, product or service development, market analysis, process improvement, prototypes, internships, project-based work, and other collaborative opportunities.

Explore ways to work with Behrend through the Open Lab
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Open Lab Projects and Impact

Open Lab projects show what happens when student learning, faculty expertise, and external needs come together. From product design and rapid prototyping in the James R. Meehl Innovation Commons to community-based digital projects and immersive museum experiences, the Open Lab supports work that creates value for students, partners, and the region.

See Open Lab projects and impact
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Why the Open Lab Matters

The Open Lab creates a win-win-win for students, faculty members, and external partners. Students gain documented experience, real-time professional feedback, and evidence of their abilities before graduation. Faculty members apply their expertise to current challenges and connect students with professional networks. Partners gain access to University knowledge, student talent, and collaborative problem-solving.