Penn State Global is partnering with Penn State New Kensington to pilot thematic programing during the 2025/26 academic year. The units plan to recruit up to thirty (30) students to participate in thematic programming focusing on different aspects of global leadership. Students will be recruited to participate in programs throughout the year that are offered at no cost, or significantly reduced cost to them. Thematic programming will address different dimensions of global leadership including:
Intercultural Competence
Civic and community Engagement
Sustainability
Career Development
Leadership Development
2025 Program Highlights
September 2025–Leadership Foundations
- Attend a passport workshop led by Amanda Becoate at New Kensington.
- Students who complete this workshop will have the opportunity to receive theirpassports. All costs will be covered by Penn State New Kensington
- Open To All students on campus
October 2025–Intercultural Competence
- Complete the CQ assessment which assesses a person’s ability to navigate and adapt to different cultural styles and perspectives. Students will complete the CQ assessment the second half of September.
- Attend a workshop on navigating cultural perspectives led by Global Engagement Coordinators on October 7.
November 2025–Disney Leadership Experience
Students will have the opportunity to attend Global Sustainable Action Weekend event at University Park November 1-2, 2025.
- Students will travel to Orlando, Florida to take Disney Leadership seminar and Disney Teamwork Seminar and observe how these elements are used in action throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
- Friday November 21, 2025 – Group will travel from Pittsburgh to Orlando. Transfer from airport to Drury Hotel. After check-in, the group will enjoy a group dinner at a restaurant in Disney Springs.
- Saturday, November 22, 2025 – Entire group will visit EPCOT for the day participate in the Leadership the Disney Way workshop during the time it is scheduled. The group will plan to spend the entire day at EPCOT.
- Sunday, November 23, 2025 – Entire group will visit Hollywood Studios for the day participate in the Teamwork the Disney Way workshop during the time it is scheduled. The group will plan to spend the entire day at Hollywood Studios.
- Monday, November 24, 2025 – Students will spend the day at Universal Studios. Transportation will be provided to and from the park.
- Tuesday, November 25, 2025 – Entire Group will visit Magic Kingdom. Students will also be provided a ticket to attend Micky’s Very Merry Christmas Party,
- Wednesday, November 26, 2025 – Group will transfer from hotel to airport to return home to Pittsburgh. I am hoping that we can arrange a mid-afternoon departing flight.
The cost is $100 per student, with a $25 deposit due immediately to hold your spot and the final payment due November 7.
Disney Leadership Experience Form
Disney Leadership Experience Priority
Students who participate in the Disney Leadership Experience will receive priority consideration for the Alternative Spring Break in Italy.
Program Contract Clause
All participants must follow the Penn State University Code of Conduct. Students are required to:
Participate in at least one educational seminar at New Kensington campus
Complete both the pre- and post-program surveys
Attend the Disney Leadership Seminars
Take part in at least one service project
Failure to meet these requirements will result in the student being held responsible for reimbursing Penn State for the cost of the trip.
2026 Program Highlights
January 2026
- Students will participate in volunteer service projects throughout the Pittsburgh area on Martin Luther King Jr. holiday as part of MLK Day of Service event.
February 2026
- Students will participate/attend THON to observe leadership and teamwork in action.
- Students will have the opportunity to attend the Global Careers Institute at University ParkFebruary 27-28.
March 2026
- Students will have opportunity to attend Alternative Spring Break in Italy to practice intercultural and global leadership skills.
- Itinerary still being developed
- Students will have an opportunity to attend Global Engagement and Leadership Experience (GELE) event March 28-29.
April 2026
- Students will complete CQ assessment and compare results from previous fall.
- Students will present research and aspects of program during Research Symposium at New Kensington.
Students will be assigned an area of focus within the program to be part of the student facilitators of programs. Each program will have guided debriefs facilitated by Ryan Geiger and Amanda Becoate to reflect on experiences and make connections from experience to global leadership.
Upon completion of this program, Ryan and Amanda will draft a report summarizing the program, analyzing the pre/post IDI results, and make recommendations for how this program can be implemented for all campuses the following year.