The Franco Harris Pittsburgh Center connects Penn State faculty with Pittsburgh-based organizations to support applied and experiential learning, engaged scholarship, and collaborative research.
By aligning academic expertise with regional priorities, we help create projects that are academically rigorous, community-informed, and connected to real-world challenges and workforce needs.
Project Types
Projects may include:
- Capstone collaborations with local organizations
- Applied research initiatives addressing regional challenges
- Community-informed design and planning projects
- Industry-sponsored challenges aligned with workforce needs
- Policy analysis or strategic planning support
- Studio-based courses engaging students in community-centered design and interdisciplinary problem-solving
How It Works
Faculty may approach us with a proposed Pittsburgh-based initiative, or the Center can connect faculty with community or industry partners seeking academic collaboration.
Our role may include:
- Identifying and vetting potential partners
- Facilitating introductions and alignment conversations
- Supporting coordination and communication
- Ensuring projects reflect reciprocal, mutually beneficial engagement
