Student Organizations
Become involved by joining one (or more) of the business clubs and organizations offering a variety of leadership and professional development opportunities. The Office of Diversity Enhancement Programs sponsors several activities and student organizations such as:
Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA)
ALPFA aids in the educational and professional development of Hispanic business students to create strong, independent professionals and promote corporate diversity.
Ascend is the premier non-profit professional association dedicated to enabling its members, corporate partners and the community to realizing the leadership potential of Pan-Asian leaders in global corporations. Our vision is to enhance the presence and influence of current and future business leaders of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and to serve as a collective voice for those business communities.
Assistance in Transition at University Park
AT UP is a club formed to help change-of-campus students transition to University Park and to provide them opportunities for internships, full-time jobs and professional development. We know the transition can be difficult, especially with so much going on both academically and socially. We strive to prepare change-of-campus students for upper-level classes as well as the career fair.
Black Male Leadership Symposium (BMLS)
Black Male Leadership Symposium has the goal to empower Black males for the future by fostering unity and by developing academic abilities and leadership skills.
Multicultural Women's Forum (MWF)
The forum is a support network for female undergraduate students enrolled in Smeal. Academic and personal issues specific to women of color are discussed at monthly workshops with the goal of creating a supportive environment and increasing leadership opportunities for female students of color.
NABA works actively with business firms, corporations, colleges, and alumni of Penn State in placing diverse candidates in positions in various business fields, while also providing technical seminars for those considering careers in accounting, finance, marketing, and management. Each year, NABA hosts Netiquette, a professional development conference open to all Smeal students. The conference provides information on preparing for the next academic year’s professional development activities and career fairs.
Queer Business Leaders is an educational and professional group for LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and the full spectrum of gender, identity and/or sexual orientation) business students and allies. The group aims to create an inclusive and diverse atmosphere in Smeal and to increase awareness of LGBTQ+ issues at Smeal and in the business world.
The office sponsors a diversity conference known as the S.T.A.R.T. (Striving Toward Awareness and Respect for Tomorrow) Conference. This one-day conference, held each spring on Penn State's University Park campus, is organized by a committee of students and provides participants with insights into various issues of diversity. Guest speakers, open forums, and workshops focus on issues often experienced in the workplace and identify the demands of a rapidly changing workforce.
The mission of WIB is to increase the recruitment and retention of women students and faculty at Smeal. WIB also fosters an environment in which Smeal women discuss personal and professional issues pertinent to women in the corporate world. The goals of WIB are to aid in the recruitment of female students at Smeal by increasing awareness opportunities for women; fostering women’s leadership abilities and creating effective student leaders; supporting professional development of members; volunteerism in the community; and creating a network between women in business, corporate executives, and university faculty. Professional development opportunities include corporate networking events and a professional dress workshop, however WIB’s premier event is the annual Powerful Women Paving the Way Conference (PWPW). Women in Business welcomes both male and female students of all business majors to join the organization.