As a cornerstone of diversity and inclusion at Penn State since 1972, the Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC) knows the value and impact of creating a strong sense of community for all students.

“Creating a space for students to feel comfortable being themselves allows them to thrive,” said Evan Williams, director of the PRCC. “Our goal in the PRCC is to find ways to mentor and support all students while providing clear pathways to succeed while actively contributing to their broader community.”

Connecting students with their communities while providing administrative support is a key goal of four new community coordinator staff members in the PRCC. These coordinator positions, supported by the University Park Student Initiated Fee, were created to support students in the Black, Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander Desi American, and Native American and Indigenous communities.

Coordinators will serve as mentors and provide support for community caucuses, leaders, and students at-large. These coordinators will help create consistency for student leaders, advocate for each community, and relieve some of the administrative burdens that these communities have encountered to help students focus on building relationships, enhance programming, and ultimately foster the personal and academic success of those communities’ members they support.

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