Out of the Classroom

Learning doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It also doesn’t just happen in the classroom.

We believe the best way to learn is through action and immersion. Professors create classes to prepare you for jobs in the real world. That’s why so many of our programs are built around lab work, field research, externships and work experiences.

We have 24/7 access to digital resources and technology linking you to more than 500,000 job and internship opportunities from companies, nonprofits and government organizations.

Our students secure internships at some prestigious places. You’ll recognize many of the names on this list:

• Allegheny Health Network

• Amazon

• Baltimore Ravens

• Bayer Corp.

• Buffalo Bills

• Busch Gardens

• Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

• Center for Arabic Culture

• Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

• Department of Defense

• Department of Environmental Protection

• Drug Enforcement Administration

• Edgar Snyder & Associates

• General Electric

• Giant Eagle

• Highmark Health

• Kennywood

• Kohl’s

• Lehigh Valley Health Network

• Maryland Department of Natural Resources

• Municap Public Financing

• National Security Agency (NSA)

• Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)

• Pittsburgh Penguins

• Pittsburgh Pirates

• Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

• PNC Bank (Corporate)

• Rosapenna Golf and Hotel Resort

• The Walt Disney Co.

• Travel Centers of America

• UPMC, UPMC Children’s Hospital

• U.S. Department of Defense

• U.S. Department of Justice

• U.S. Department of State

• USPS

• U.S. Steel

• Wild World of Animals

• WMBS Radio

• WVU Medicine

• YMCA

In addition to internship opportunities, our students can join any of our 300+ clubs and organizations to hone their professional skills and have fun while they’re at it. In addition to providing you with the opportunity to develop skills and experience that can help you land a job after graduation, becoming involved helps you meet new people, develop community and discover your strengths and passions.

If you wish for a more formal study abroad option, we have those opportunities throughout the world with short-term (two to 10 weeks), semester, or full academic year experiences. Learn more: PennWest.edu/ academics/study-abroad.

All of these opportunities mean the world is now your classroom.

PennWest California is located just 35 miles from Pittsburgh, on a beautiful riverside campus that includes top recreation facilities, best-in-class housing options, green space and modern science spaces that accommodate our high-tech majors like mechatronics engineering technology and our vet tech programs.

Each spring, Student Government sponsors the Big Event so students can show their appreciation to the California community with a day of service. The program provides local residents with help washing windows, painting and completing other needed work. The Underground Café is a student organization that hosts special events and performances throughout the year, from a homecoming celebration to hip-hop nights and food drives. It’s best known for its open mic night every Thursday.

Cal’s mascot, Blaze the Vulcan, embodies Cal pride. He loves football season when he hits our steel beam with his hammer in celebration of every point scored. Not only is Blaze the biggest Vulcan sports fan, he’s also present at all other types of Cal events throughout the year.

Enjoy all that Cal has to offer while living in our oncampus residence halls. Learn more about your options at PennWest.edu/california-housing. Additional questions can be directed to calreslife@pennwest.edu or by calling 724-938-4444.

PennWest Clarion is close to Cook Forest but also conveniently located in Clarion’s charming college town with its cozy Main Street atmosphere. The stunning campus features state-of-the-art learning facilities like our nursing simulation laboratory and our hands-on communication studios for TV, radio and print media experience.

Our most popular event, by far, is homecoming, which coincides with the town’s nine-day Autumn Leaf Festival. Homecoming events include a parade and, of course, the big game. Students, alumni and the entire town get in on the fun.

PennWest Clarion also has locations in Venango and Somerset counties. Venango specializes in associate degrees, as well as career and workforce education and programming. Somerset offers the two-year Associate of Science in Nursing, which fully prepares students to sit for the RN licensure exam.

One of the biggest traditions of being a Clarion student is simply enjoying the campus’ proximity to downtown amenities and outdoor activities. With a bustling main street featuring shops and restaurants, the community embraces our students. There’s also a hiking trail that begins on campus and a popular swimming location just a short drive away to the Toby Bridge on the Clarion River.

Ernie the Eagle is Clarion’s Golden Eagle mascot, who hatched in 1979. He’s had many makeovers throughout the years to become the buff specimen you see today. You can see him strutting his stuff all over campus and at Clarion sporting events as he prides himself on being the biggest Golden Eagles sports fan. Live, laugh and let loose in one of our many room style options. Learn more about your options at PennWest.edu/clarion-housing. Additional questions can be directed to clarionreslife@pennwest.edu or by calling 814-393-2352.

PennWest Edinboro is situated just south of Erie, in a bustling college town. The picturesque lakeside campus offers modern learning facilities, suitestyle housing options and incredible outdoor recreation opportunities for every season.

Much like the town, some of The Boro’s most popular majors are focused on the arts like animation, illustration, drawing and painting. Held during Welcome Weekend, Boro Bash is the perfect opportunity to meet your classmates, make new friends and have some fun before the start of the fall semester. The celebration features music, food, games and more.

The good times continue as each fall, The Boro’s campus is filled with the colorful traditions of Scotland during the Highland Games and Scottish Festival. Featuring world-class musicians, highland dance performances, athletic competitions and traditional Scottish food, the festival serves as a tribute to the Scottish heritage of the Edinboro campus and surrounding community.

We ARE the Fighting Scots. Clad with a Royal Stewart Tartan kilt and headband, steadfast shield and leather wrist guards and boots, our mascot, MacCato, is the embodiment of our tenacious spirit and abounding campus pride.

Embrace all the charm The Boro has to offer in one of our many room style options. Learn more about your options at PennWest.edu/edinboro-housing. Additional questions can be directed to bororeslife@pennwest.edu or by calling 814-732-2818.