Project Description
Skills such as collaboration, creativity, problem solving and adaptability are sought-after by every industry now, but will certainly be necessary for the entire workforce in the age of Industry 4.0. A resource that is available to all local businesses and industry is Penn State New Kensington’s innovation hub, The Corner. One of 21 Invent Penn State hubs across the Commonwealth, The Corner provides a modern and unique space open for you to take advantage of workshops and training, mentors and flexible office space opportunities and solutions. The Corner is also available to use for meeting or event space.
The Corner Launchbox, an Invent Penn State initiative, provides signature programming at
The Corner.
Both programs teach valuable skills integral to the Industry 4.0 movement, regardless of the intent to start a business.
The Corner's Partner Organizations
Individuals, businesses and industry will also find access to The Corner’s partner organizations including Pittsburgh’s Innovation Works, business coaches and mentors, and legal assistance through Penn State Law’s Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic and Intellectual Property Clinic.
Penn State New Kensington, with the help of the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County and the City of New Kensington has led various economic revitalization efforts in the city. The most well-known is the Corridor of Innovation, a five-block stretch of Fifth Avenue, which has been transforming since summer 2017. A facade improvement mini-grant program for business owners and organizations helped revamp and upgrade 18 buildings. Artist murals and several colorful bike racks and benches can also be found along Fifth Avenue. A brand new corner parklet was an added feature thanks to the work of volunteers from the campus, Arconic and the City of New Kensington.
The West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund (WPPSEF) awarded Penn State New Kensington $75,000 to aid in incorporating sustainability and best practices to the campus-led Corridor of Innovation and revitalization efforts in the city of New Kensington. The award has allowed for the creation of community workshops, as well as efforts related to helping business owners and community members learn more about sustainability and the role it plays.
Community Workshop
Community members, leaders and business owners attendedthe reNew Kensington Community Workshop in 2018 to work together as one community in creating priorities and action steps to build a stronger and renewable New Kensington for everyone! The workshop included lots of collaborative activities, giveaways, speakers and special guests. It was also the starting point for a community-driven planning process related to how sustainability can be implemented in New Kensington.
Sustainability Walk
With a 2020 debut planned, the reNew Kensington Sustainability Walk highlights local businesses, organizations and resources in New Kensington along the Corridor of Innovation on Fifth Avenue that assist in one or more of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The walk will include interactive signage at stops, as well as a mobile-friendly online application for users to learn more about the stops on the walk.
Community Workshop
Read more about the Community Workshop, and view a photo gallery from the Community Workshop on Penn State New Kensington’s Facebook page.
Ruth Herstek, reNew Kensington Coordinator