The program recognizes colleges that build resource navigation into student life; HU is the first to earn it.
HARRISBURG, PA — Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is the first college or university to be certified through the PA Navigate Campus Certification Program, a new initiative that recognizes colleges and universities that build resource navigation into student life and campus operations.
PA Navigate is a free, statewide resource and referral platform that connects Pennsylvanians with health and social services in their communities. It was developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services with federal American Rescue Plan funding, and the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP), working under contract with the department, supports the organizations that use it and awarded HU’s certification. For students, PA Navigate is a way to find trusted support for school, work, and life, with resources that address basic needs and support well-being.
Certified campuses are recognized for their commitment to six areas: student-centered support systems, basic needs and wellness navigation, cross-sector community collaboration, workforce and career pathways, digital care coordination, and student persistence and success. The program’s goal is to help students stay enrolled, succeed academically, and move into Pennsylvania’s workforce.
HU’s certification grew out of a conversation about supporting students between Director of Student Care and Development Malik Potter and Tutoring and Learning Specialist Cecilia Moser. “Cecilia introduced me to PA Navigate, and right away I recognized its potential to make essential resources friendlier and more accessible for HU students,” Malik said. “It’s been a pleasure working with CAAP to develop HU’s approach.”
To earn the certification, HU worked through a series of steps with PA Navigate. The process began with a meeting with PA Navigate’s community engagement manager, after which HU staff completed the platform’s 101, 201, and 301 training sessions.
“Student success doesn’t just happen in the classroom,” said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, president of Harrisburg University. “Our students bring their whole lives with them to campus. When one of them is worried about rent or groceries or a ride to class, we want to help, and we can’t always do that alone. Partnerships like this one connect our students with help that already exists across the Commonwealth. I am proud that HU is the first campus to make that commitment.”
Through the certification, HU’s Student Care and Development team can connect students with community organizations that address food insecurity, housing instability, transportation, financial assistance, health and wellness, childcare, employment, and other basic needs.
HU faculty and staff are also part of the effort. The University is asking employees who notice a student struggling to refer that student to Student Care and Development, which assesses needs and makes the connections.
“Harrisburg University stepped up to be the first campus to make PA Navigate part of how it cares for students,” said Matthew Moser, community engagement manager for CAAP. “HU delivers dynamic and impactful STEM programs directly into the heart of the Commonwealth, and it is a privilege to join with them in that mission. Their approach to serving the entire student, throughout their academic journey and beyond, made them a natural fit.”
The work is already drawing interest beyond HU. The PA Hunger-Free Campus Initiative, a Pennsylvania Department of Education program, has invited HU’s team to share its approach with a network of 92 campuses across Pennsylvania.
HU is also helping students see that asking for help is normal. On October 22, the University hosted student video interviews for a statewide campaign led by PA EmpowerU, a Pennsylvania Department of Education initiative that connects college students with basic needs resources. HU students described their experiences accessing basic needs support to help others recognize that seeking assistance is normal, that resources are available, and that no student has to face these challenges alone.
HU students who need support can contact Student Care and Development at CARES@HarrisburgU.edu. Anyone in Pennsylvania can search PA-Navigate.org.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, analytics, biotechnology, cybersecurity, nursing, and other STEM fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link research with practical application. Learn more at HarrisburgU.edu or stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
MEDIA CONTACT
Do you have questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Contact Dan Wilhelm, director of communications, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu.
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