The Future of Higher Education is Here. Where it Can Take You is Endless.
The Future of Higher Education is Finally Here.
For the first time, students have access to all of the resources, programs, professors, real-world work opportunities, traditions, and offerings from three of Pennsylvania’s top universities in one place. It’s a new approach to meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s world. But it’s not coming out of a vacuum. It’s built on hundreds of years of educational excellence from California, Clarion and Edinboro universities.
Internships
Our approach is making sure our students have options in how they want to learn and preparing them for the cutting-edge workplace of today.
And with more than 100 degree programs in high-demand fields and a network of 186,000+ alumni, our graduates can step off campus and into a real career, right away. See what the power of PennWest can do for you.
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• Allegheny Health Network • Amazon • Bayer Corporation • BNY Mellon • Busch Gardens • Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh • Cigna • CNB Bank • Dept. of Environmental Protection • DICK’S Sporting Goods • Edgar Snyder & Associates • Enterprise Holdings • First Energy • First United Bank • GE Lighting • General Electric • Highmark Health • KeyBank • Maxim Healthcare Services • Municap Public Financing • Penn Highlands • Pinnacle Health • Pittsburgh Pirates • Pittsburgh Zoo • PNC Bank (Corp.) • PPG Industries • Raytheon • S&T Bank • Schneider Downs & Co. • The Walt Disney Company • Travel Centers of America • UPMC • UPMC Children’s Hospital • USDA Forest Service • USPS • U.S. Steel
Different Paths to the Big Leagues
In 2019, Daniel Beeck ´19, transformed an internship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into a full-time job as a video producer. Part of the job includes shooting video and compiling highlight reels. In his first year, that also meant telling the story of the team’s Super Bowl win.
How did Daniel end up with a front row seat to the Big Game? He attributes it to the foundational building blocks of his communications degree from PennWest California. As an undergraduate, he served as announcer and reporter for the Vulcans and eventually became editor-in-chief of the school’s newspaper. Those roles helped him land internships with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
If Daniel’s path to the pros was the direct result of building blocks and a natural path, Justin Binion’s ´11, was a little less direct.
After graduating Justin started his career in sports management, working in sales with several sports teams in New York City. But he called an audible on his career after seeing a documentary on ESPN about the difficulties athletes often face when managing their finances.
Daniel Beeck ´19He decided he wanted to be the person they could count on and turn to for help.
He made a pivot and is now a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch’s Irick Group, helping professional athletes, business owners and executives invest wisely.
How was Justin able to make such a quick career change?
“PennWest’s approach to helping students develop their interpersonal skills, as well as the emphasis on building and having a positive personal brand, allowed me to make that career shift,” says Justin.
Daniel and Justin work in unrelated fields and took very different paths, but they both have stepped up to the plate and delivered in the world of professional sports.
Justin Binion ´11
“If it wasn’t for my experience at PennWest, I probably wouldn’t be in the position I am today.”
- Justin Binion
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A Coach in
Corner
YOUR
On Day 1 each student is paired with a Success Coach to help them transition to PennWest. But we don’t stop there. Our Success Coaches help advise students and ensure they get the most from all the resources PennWest has to offer. That means success on – and off – campus. We do more than prepare students for life after college; it’s our mission to help them find success.
Later on, Career Coaches assist in identifying internship and employment opportunities, advise on resumes, and help build the skills needed to land a job. Those soft skills are part of the training they need to stand out in today’s (and tomorrow’s) job market. We offer all of our students digital tools with job and internship listings from more than 200,000 companies, nonprofit and government organizations.
And once an opportunity catches their eye, our Career Development team is here. We’ll help them prepare for the professional world with career fairs, interview prep and networking opportunities with our more than 186,000 alumni.
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Head of the Class and Field
The best award teachers can receive is seeing one of their students succeed. But the second best? Teacher of the Year. Chris Albrecht ´96, can confirm it’s a pretty nice feeling. When Chris began his career, the internet was just becoming an option in many classrooms. He pioneered a first-of-its-kind technology program for students. Since then he’s been honored with numerous awards for his dedication to his students and technology, culminating in 2018 when he was named the New York State Teacher of the Year.
That award meant the chance to lecture across the country, visit the White House and even train with U.S. astronauts. It also came with a significant financial reward. What did Chris do with the cash?
He used it on the best award – he spent it all on books that he delivers on school visits all over New York while teaching lessons on moral character, creativity and the importance of reading.
Chris Albrecht ´96
Tracey Merlino’s ´95, ´96, big award?
A hug from First Lady Michelle Obama.
In 2017-18 the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association named Tracey School Counselor of the Year, highlighting a school counselor who has made significant contributions to their students and school district. As part of that honor, she was invited to the White House to hear the First Lady speak about the vital role of guidance counselors.
Tracey came from a family of teachers and was eagerly following suit – until she learned about the graduate school’s Elementary School Counseling program. The rest is history.
“Children are faced with such daunting challenges so early in life these days,” Tracey said. “I am motivated every day to be a part of a team that helps to give these children a chance to have an amazing childhood.”
With teachers – and leaders – like these, the future for our children is looking very bright.
Tracey Merlino ´957
Apply Today
For a complete listing of academic programs, visit PennWest.edu/academics
One application, infinite possibilities. Take advantage of all that PennWest has to offer. Apply to California, Clarion, Edinboro or PennWest Global Online with one application at PennWest.edu/apply or you can also use the Common Application at CommonApp.org and search for PennWest! PennWest.edu/apply SCAN TO APPLY
Quality, Affordable Education.
Paying for college is one of the most important investments you make. By integrating California, Clarion and Edinboro, we’ve reduced costs and expenses and are investing those savings into our students.
At PennWest, 90% of our students receive some form of financial aid to make college more affordable.
So when you choose PennWest you can rest assured that you will receive a high-quality education from one of the most affordable options in the country. Plus, our Financial Aid Office is here to help you every step of the way.
Reach out to us today: California Financial Aid Office
Email: finaid-cal@pennwest.edu
Phone: 724-938-4415
Clarion Financial Aid Office
Email: finaid-cla@pennwest.edu
Phone: 814-393-2315
Edinboro Financial Aid Office
Email: finaid-edn@pennwest.edu
Phone: 814-732-3500
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Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest California, PennWest Clarion, PennWest Edinboro, PennWest Global Online) is an inclusive and equal opportunity academic community and does not condone any form of unlawful discrimination. PennWest University 250 University Ave. California, PA 15419 PennWest.edu Keep connected: @PennWestUniversity @pennwestuniv @pennwestu