University Students
The Palmer is a social, educational, and cultural hub for Penn State students. From lively drop-in programs to semester-long internships and volunteer opportunities, the museum offers a range of experiences to make art a part of your time on campus.Art After Hours (AAH)
Enjoy exploring the galleries and connecting with fellow students at the museum. These themed programs take place on scheduled dates during the fall and spring semesters and feature art-making, gallery activities and games, tours, performances, and light refreshments.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming programs on Thursday nights from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.:
- July 25, 2024 | LEAP into Art + Community
- August 29, 2024 | Fight for Your Rights pARTy!
- September 26, 2024 | Hispanic + Latinx Heritage Month
- October 31, 2024 | 5th Annual Halloween Spooktacular
- December 5, 2024 | Creative Studio for Students
- January 30, 2025 | New Year, New You
- February 27, 2025 | Out with the Old, in with the Nouveau
- March 27, 2025 | Get in the Paint!
- April 24, 2025 | Creative Studio for Students
Palmer Student Ambassadors (PSAs)
The Palmer Museum offers student volunteer opportunities during the fall and spring semesters through the Palmer Student Ambassador (PSA) program. PSAs dedicate 2–4 hours each week to act as student advisors and as partners in creating and presenting programs designed for Penn State students.
Recruitment for 2024–25 is open. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
Required weekly training: Thursdays, 3:30–5:00 p.m.
PSA Application Form
Internships
Spring 2025 Internships
During the fall and spring semesters, students work 8–10 hours per week contributing to ongoing projects and department needs. Positions are available in all museum departments, including: curatorial, education, communications, graphic design, digital projects, visitor services, collections management, and preparation.
Recruitment takes place in March for fall semesters and October/November for spring semesters.
Summer Internships
Penn State graduate students and upper-level undergraduates contribute to research, interpretation, exhibition planning, project management, and collections care in addition to completing regular department assignments. Recruitment takes place during February of each year.
Summer internships are funded by the Art Bridges Foundation, Silver Trout Curatorial Graduate Internship Program, the Annie Gooding Sykes Internship, and the Pincus Family Foundation Endowment for Student Education.