Petition supporting increased state funding for Penn State remains open

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn Staters across Pennsylvania are encouraged to show their support for the University’s request for additional state funding in 2023-24.  

A petition from Advocate Penn State that has amassed more than 5,000 signatures aims to connect Penn State supporters with their elected officials, while also raising awareness of the funding disparity faced by Penn State compared to Pennsylvania’s other public universities. 

Currently, Penn State receives $242.1 million for its education mission, or approximately $5,600 per Pennsylvania resident student, which is between $2,600 and $3,400 less per in-state student than Pennsylvania's other public universities. 

This year, to close that gap and match Penn State’s educational, economic and social contributions to the state, Penn State is requesting an increase of $115.2 million, or 47.6%, for its 2023-24 general support appropriation to match the state’s per-student investment in other public universities.

For those who have not yet joined the petition, Advocate Penn State has extended the petition beyond the original Jan. 8 deadline to help garner as many signatures as possible. 

Easily join the petition at govt.psu.edu/petition to show support for Penn State and its students.  

This timely advocacy effort follows last week's legislature swearing-in proceedings in Harrisburg as advocates start to introduce themselves and their priorities to new and returning elected officials, including more than 50 new members of the Pennsylvania House and Senate, along with a new governor’s administration. 

Join the more than 5,000 people who have voiced support for increased funding for Penn State and sign the petition now at govt.psu.edu/petition.

Continuing advocacy  

As Penn State’s advocacy network, Advocate Penn State is the easiest and most effective way to speak up for Penn State students, families, faculty and staff.  

Advocate Penn State provides the resources and tools to empower Penn Staters to use their collective voice to show elected officials how valuable Penn State is to the commonwealth’s students, communities and economy.  

This petition is one of those crucial tools advocates can use to be an active champion for the University and its legislative priorities.  

Each year, grassroots advocacy through Advocate Penn State helps Penn State secure vital state funding that contributes directly to the in-state tuition discount, helping to keep a world-class Penn State education within reach for thousands of students and families across Pennsylvania.  

Advocate Penn State encourages every Penn Stater to become an active participant in the University's advocacy efforts.  

“Advocates should know their voice matters to elected officials at all levels of government,” said Zack Moore, Penn State vice president for Government and Community Relations. “Advocacy gives all students, families, alumni, faculty, staff and fans a chance to impact the future of Penn State.” 

Recently, advocates have helped support University legislative priorities like the Double Pell Grant campaign on a federal level, in support of those students with the greatest financial need, and, in 2022, successfully advocated for $2.35 million in new state funding for Invent Penn State. 

Join the petition in support of increased funding for Penn State at govt.psu.edu/petition and learn more about how to support the University’s legislative priorities at advocate.psu.edu.