UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Advocate Penn State's Capital Day campaign has already garnered support from close to 3,000 advocates who have sent more than 5,500 emails to Pennsylvania legislators.
The annual advocacy campaign gives Penn Staters the opportunity to use their voices to share their stories of the many ways Penn State impacts them and the commonwealth.
All alumni who have not yet participated can demonstrate support by filling out a brief form that will automatically connect them with their legislators to send a pre-written email asking them to level up Penn State’s funding.
“Advocacy is an important part of our University’s engagement with our elected officials. It is our chance to demonstrate what Penn State means to us and how much Penn State contributes to the commonwealth,” said Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi in a video message celebrating Capital Day. “Your advocacy is particularly critical this year.”
On average, other public universities in Pennsylvania receive between $8,200 and $9,000 in state funding per Pennsylvania resident student, while Penn State receives $5,600 per in-state student — a funding gap of between $2,600 and $3,400 per student that the University is attempting to correct in its 2023-24 state appropriation request. This funding is used to provide an in-state tuition rate that represents significant cost savings for Pennsylvania students and families.
State funding matters to all Penn Staters, whether you’re a current student, faculty or staff member, alumni, family member, or a Penn State supporter. Fair funding also allows Penn State to invest in high-quality academic programs and curricula that give students expanded options that lead to a world-class educational experience and set them on a path for lifetime success.
Learn more about Capital Day and advocating for Penn State by following Advocate Penn State on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.