The Franco Harris Pittsburgh Center at Penn State is proud to offer two transformative summer programs: High Performance Building Summer Program and City Semester Pittsburgh. Whether you’re passionate about sustainable building practices, sustainability or community engagement, these programs provide hands-on learning, expert mentorship, and career-ready skills.
City Semester Pittsburgh
City Semester Pittsburgh offers an immersive experience in sustainability, where Penn State students live, learn, and work in Pittsburgh while earning academic credit. Through course work and internships, Penn State students will explore the intersections of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. It includes a weekly course (EARTH 412 – Urban Sustainability) and internship placement with a community partner.
Program Dates: Summer 2025 Semester (May 19–August 15, 2025)
Early Decision Deadline: Wednesday, March 5
Final Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 26
Interviews/Placement (Early Decision): March 17–April 2
Interviews/Placement (Final): March 27–April 11
Credit Costs:
This year, the 3-credit EARTH 412 course will be offered through Penn State Greater Allegheny, allowing significant tuition savings compared to University Park.
Internship opportunities include paid, stipend, or unpaid placements. Students in unpaid placements will receive a minimum $2,500 fellowship funded by Penn State Sustainability, PepsiCo, and Franco Harris Pittsburgh Center donors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is perfect for students across all majors and campuses who are eager to make a difference in their communities. If you’re passionate about addressing real-world challenges and building a more sustainable future, City Semester is your opportunity to create meaningful change.
Apply for City Semester Pittsburgh
High Performance Building Summer Program
This cross-cultural program provides an opportunity for Penn State students to live and learn alongside students from South West College of Northern Ireland, exploring the world of high-performance building design and construction practices. This three-week program combines classroom learning, hands-on activities, guest speakers, and field trips to equip students with skills to design, build, and evaluate energy-efficient buildings — with a focus on Passive House standards.
Program Dates: June 2–20, 2025
Application Deadline: Friday, March 28
Interviews/Placement: March 31–April 11
Program Cost:
$450 (Five full fellowships available)
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for first- or second-year students interested in architecture, engineering, sustainability, or environmental science. It is the perfect foundation to understand the future of sustainable construction.
Apply for the High-Performance Building Summer Program
Don’t miss your chance to engage in these impactful programs and gain valuable skills for your future career!