The collaborative pursuit of success

We are here to support you.

Through the Achieve Penn State initiative, Penn State aims to help you complete your degree on time, with less debt, equipped with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.

A commitment to student success, access, and affordability

Achieve Penn State is, at its core, about expanding access to a Penn State education. Through a range of programs and services at our undergraduate campuses, we strive to open a path to any qualified student who wants to earn a Penn State degree, allowing them to start strong, maintain success, and graduate with minimal debt. At its core, the initiative is about meeting students where they are and providing the support needed to cross the finish line.

“Together, with our students and families, we can pave a path to a world-class education for our brightest and most hard-working citizens.”
Dr. Eric J. Barron
Penn State President Emeritus
Do you wish to support this vision with a gift? Open Doors Scholarships can amplify the impact of Achieve Penn State programs.
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Stories of Success

Leveling up to a heightened experience

Jonathan Adrien is on track to become the first in his family to graduate from college, poised to earn a degree from the College of Information Sciences and Technology. The Philadelphia native’s Penn State journey has been aided by two Achieve Penn State programs designed to help students remain on track toward graduation during critical junctures in their college careers: Pathway to Success: Summer Start (PaSSS) and the Student Transitional Experiences Program (STEP). These programs have inspired Jonathan to make the most of what Penn State has to offer — in his words, to “level up to a heightened experience.”

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Pathway to Success: Summer Start (PaSSS) is now offered at 17 Penn State Commonwealth Campuses.

Read the latest news and highlights from Achieve Penn State

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Summer success programs give new Penn State Lehigh Valley students a jump-start

Two summer success programs — Pathway to Success: Summer Start (PaSSS) and the STEM Inclusion and Innovation Program — give new Penn State Lehigh Valley students a jump-start on their college journey.

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PaSSS program primes Behrend students for academic success

The six-week Pathways to Success Summer Start program provides tools and resources that help Penn State students transition to college. At Penn State Behrend, students in the program also are eligible for Excelerate scholarships.

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Eligible students invited to apply for aid through Complete Penn State

Students who are one or two semesters from graduation and who are experiencing barriers to completion are encouraged to apply.

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