In an effort to increase student activities, fight “brain drain,” and forge more connections between students and the professional community, Harrisburg University and Harrisburg Young Professionals have partnered up: all students can join Harrisburg Young Professionals for free, and are also eligible for an annual $2,500 HYP scholarship.
“This partnership grows every week,” says Ryan Riley, Director of Alumni Relations and Development for the university. “The whole idea is to promote a brain gain rather than a brain drain, and we firmly believe the results of this partnership will keep more STEM-educated students in the city and the region.”
According to Riley, since Harrisburg University is a new school that doesn’t have residence halls or other typical university facilities, offering students a free membership to Harrisburg Young Professionals fulfills a student affairs role by making more activities available, but also gives students a chance to network with professionals from the region and forge connections that could lead to jobs.
“Far too often we raise smart, talented students only to see them move away after college. In giving each student a free membership, it is our hope to engage them and to show students Harrisburg is a great place to live, work and play,” says Jessica Meyers, who pushed for the partnership when she was President of HYP in 2006. “If we do our job, many of these students will remain in Harrisburg after graduation to launch their careers and build their futures.”
Source: Harrisburg University, Ryan Riley
Writer: John Davidson
To receive Keystone Edge free every week, click here.