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    PA EmpowerU

    PA EmpowerU Convening 2025

    The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) invites you to join us in-person for our statewide combined It's On Us PA and PA EmpowerU convening on April 7, 2026, from 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM, at the Best Western Premier – 800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111. The PA EmpowerU Convening brings together postsecondary institutions, community-based organizations, and state agencies to connect and strategize supports for PA students to thrive while reaching their college and credential goals. All tenets of collegiate basic needs are essential for students’ success, but this year’s focus is on intersections with Mental Health, Safety and Belonging, and Financial Wellness. Registration is free, agenda and more details to follow.

    Registration

    Please register to join us in person on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Harrisburg, PA. There is no cost to attend; breakfast and lunch will be provided. Seats are limited, so register soon!  

    Registration deadline: March 9, 2026, or until seats are filled.

    Hotel Information

    A block of rooms is available at the Best Western Premier, 800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA.

    • Room Reservations: Call 717-561-2800 or reserve your room online.
    • Room Rate: $124.00 plus tax, available until March 9, 2026
    • Cancellation Policy: 72 hours
    • Group Name: EmpowerU Spring Convening

    Proposal Submissions

    We are also seeking Its On Us, Safety and Belonging session proposal submissions from the field to help us build a robust agenda for the April 7, 2026 convening. Sessions are tentatively scheduled to be 45 minutes in length.

    If you have any questions about the convening or the call for session proposals, please email RA-EDPAEMPOWERU@pa.gov.

    Sign up for PA Collegiate Basic Needs emails