Harrisburg University of Science & Technology

The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on December 12, 2001, making it the first independent science and technology-focused, non-profit, university to be established in Pennsylvania in more than 100 years. Harrisburg University was created to address the Capital Region’s need for increased educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers, and it represents a major step to attract, educate, and retain Pennsylvania’s diverse 21st century knowledge-based workforce. In 1981, Harrisburg was an industrial city whose manufacturing sector was on the decline and it was listed as the second most distressed city in the nation. High-skilled, high-wage jobs were no longer being created as they once were, and the area lacked an educated workforce capable of thriving in the region’s growing knowledge-based economy. Additionally, despite 20 other colleges within close proximity, the region was suffering from a technical brain drain. Community leaders recognized that a new direction for the region was needed. Leveraging Harrisburg’s strength as a state capital, these leaders decided to build a more stable employment base and revive its economy by creating its own institution of higher education dedicated to addressing the technological and scientific requirements of a 21st century workforce. This group of business, government and academic leaders evaluated the specific needs of this new economy, from education and industry to taxes and transportation. What became evident was the importance of linking education to economic development. The location of the University’s campus is near many of the businesses where HU students serve internships. This reciprocal relationship allows students to gain real-work experience in the business technology sector and companies to gain pre-qualified employees whom they can educate and train for the specific needs of their industry. By aligning traditional undergraduate degrees with science and technology-based workforce development, HU helps stimulate the growth of a knowledge-based economy in central Pennsylvania, position the region’s workforce to participate successfully in the 21st century’s knowledge-based economy. The University receives external support from the corporate sector, private individuals, and state and federal government. Fortune 500 companies and other leading companies such as Hershey Company, Select Medical Corporation, PPL, Gannett Fleming, Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company, Tyco Electronics and Penn National Insurance have all supported the University. The University’s experiential learning model, coupled with career preparation and development, has led to partnerships aligned with the University’s mission and vision. With a visionary Board of Trustees and an experienced management team, Harrisburg University is well positioned to grow, prosper, and answer the Commonwealth’s call for a STEM-based workforce.