Regional Economic Development

MU in the Community

Promoting Equality

Millersville University partners with local schools and corporations to provide programs, services, and training that promote fairness and equality and that will better meet the needs of an increasingly diverse community.

• The Lancaster Partnership is a collaboration between businesses and the University to provide the means and motivation for minority students within the city of Lancaster to receive their high school diploma, complete a college education and find professional employment opportunities.
• The University enters into partnerships with many international universities, for study abroad and exchange programs, through the Office of International Programs and Services.
• Millersville University is home to the largest Migrant Education program in the state, which serves the children of migrant workers in Lancaster, Berks and Lehigh counties. This federally funded program provides educational and health support to about 3,200 children of migrant workers. Programming includes in-school programs, summer schools, health clinics and parent support programs.
• Lancaster City Alliance recently completed a year-long Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training project for staff, volunteers and board members. The project, designed and implemented by MU staff and faculty, also focused on developing a roadmap for sustainable organizational transformation.

Promoting Education

Millersville has several partnerships with area school districts to promote children's interests in science and mathematics. Through the Spotlight on Science program, our faculty makes educational presentations in local schools.

• The Summer Honors Program in Science and Mathematics offers talented African-American and Latino high school juniors the opportunity to explore these subjects at the college level.
• The Summer Science Training Program aims to stimulate the interest of gifted children and teens.
• The Women in Math & Science Conference seeks to stimulate the interest of high school girls in careers in these fields.
• The annual Science Lectureship brings children and teens to campus to hear a presentation by a nationally known scientist.

In addition, Millersville University promotes continuing education and training for professional students and adults in the community.

• College of Graduate Studies and Adult Learning is committed to providing professional training and education in key fields that reflect the academic strengths of the University and training requirements of the region.
• Millersville offers classes at MU-Lancaster, located downtown at 42 N. Prince Street. The University is an investor partner in CareerLink, which offers adult continuing education evening courses.
• The Governor’s Institute for Mathematic Education, which is managed by Millersville University, promotes continued professional education among educators.

Millersville joined the Higher Education Working Group, a collaboration of Lancaster County’s higher education institutions, to promote the county to college prospects and graduates.

Community Partnership

Millersville University’s faculty members and educational departments have a long tradition of working closely with local organizations, businesses and corporations.

• Millersville University and Lampire Biological Laboratories have signed an agreement for a Life Science incubator on Millersville’s campus to give students hands-on industry experience in the laboratory and access to jobs and internships. 
• Millersville faculty provides consulting services to regional organizations and government entities. Projects involve data collection and analysis for criminal drug courts, providing economic consulting to regional businesses, and tobacco prevention and cessation workshops.
• The Department of Applied Engineering, Safety, and Technology at Millersville University works with local industries to meet their needs through community advisory boards. Faculty within the department also work closely with local businesses on a regular basis as consultants.
• The Economics Department manage a program for students and adults who want to learn more about investing and managing their financial future. The Stock Market Game enables participants to discover the risks and rewards involved in decision-making, the sources and uses of capital, and other related economic concepts. Other SMG advisors may be Human Resource managers planning to adopt the adult version of the competition for their employees in order to expose them to financial markets and investing.
• The Center for Disaster Research and Education (CDRE) conducts research into various issues related to disasters and terrorism. Their work includes investigation of behavioral and organizational issues related to mitigation, planning, and response to disasters and terrorism.
• The Center for Economic Education (CEE) provides economics teachers with the resources and training to develop a more economically literate community. The Center is funded by the Pennsylvania Partnership for Economic Education, businesses and foundations, the National Council for Economic Education, and the University.
• The Center for Environmental Sciences (CES) provides a forum for scientists, planners, developers and educators to exchange information about environmental stewardship. CES promotes research and education about air quality, land use, water resources and biological resources.
• The Weather Information Center (Earth Sciences department) issues hundreds of local forecasts and threat assessments annually to regional media and the local community. Regional newspapers, television and the web carry the prognostications of Millersville forecasters.

Partnering for a Bright Future, Employing MU

Employers have several ways to connect with students and alumni through Career Services. Through MU’s partnership with Handshake, local businesses have the ability to post employment opportunities for students and alumni of Millersville University.  Handshake is a comprehensive, recruiting platform to connect Millersville University students and graduates with full-time and internship opportunities, as well as part-time and volunteer opportunities.  Employers can also work with Career Services to arrange to participate in job fairs and on-campus interviewing.Millersville University's annual Job & Internship Fairs are open to Millersville students and alumni as well as to  students enrolled at other Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institutions. Over 160 business participated in the spring 2023 event and met with several hundred interested students.