Penn State discusses university’s economic impact

During a recent Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County luncheon Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi discussed the university’s economic impact and the importance of partnerships with the state’s business communities.

Penn State, directly and indirectly, supports 105,000 jobs, makes $11.6 billion in economic contributions, and recorded $1 billion in research expenditures in the past year. More than 390,000 alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.

Bendapudi said academic offerings must align with the needs of the state’s economy to keep students employable and career-ready. A talented, well-educated workforce is key to the state’s long-term economy and attracting new businesses to the state, she said. To offer an accessible and affordable education, state funding is necessary.

Bendapudi stated the university is a willing partner with local businesses and business owners to make Centre County a place new businesses want to locate.

“Penn State is a remarkable institution, and State College is an impressive place,” Bendapudi said. “People either want to stay or when they leave, they want to return. It’s important for us to partner so people can work, live and play here — it is a beautiful place. We have a strong foundation upon which to build and highly talented individuals across the community.”