Prepare PA announces four regional network meetings across Pennsylvania

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Prepare PA will host four regional network meetings across Pennsylvania in March and April, bringing together current and prospective members of the PA Climate Network to help shape the direction and goals of the statewide initiative.

Hosted by Penn State, the meetings will provide an opportunity for government, nonprofit, business and University leaders to connect, learn more about Prepare PA and to offer feedback on the network's priorities and future activities. Each meeting will include a networking reception followed by a brief public presentation on Prepare PA and facilitated discussion with attendees.

Regional meeting schedule:

• State College - Penn State University Park, Wed., March 18
• Harrisburg - Penn State Harrisburg, Wed., March 25
• Pittsburgh - Franco Harris Pittsburgh Center, Wed., April 1
• Scranton - Penn State Fullers Overlook, Wed., April 8

The State College event will include a networking reception from 4 to 5 p.m., followed by a public presentation and discussion from 5 to 6 p.m. All other locations will follow the same format but will begin one hour later, with a networking reception from 5 to 6 p.m. and a public presentation and discussion from 6 to 7 p.m.

Each event is expected to host up to 100 attendees. Registration is required by March 6. Details, including agenda and logistics, will be emailed to registered attendees before meetings. Those interested in learning more should contact Sarah Potter at [email protected].

About Prepare PA

Prepare PA is a statewide initiative led by the Penn State Climate Consortium in collaboration with partners across Pennsylvania, reflecting the University's land-grant mission to serve the people of the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania's communities, wilderness and farms are central to its future, yet they face increasing risks from extreme weather and climate change. Prepare PA works to equip communities with the knowledge, tools and resources needed to adapt, respond and thrive amid climate and environmental uncertainty.

Over its initial three-year launch period, Prepare PA will pursue six integrated goals:

• Support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Help communities prepare for climate impacts
• Coordinate implementation across the state
• Center underserved and vulnerable communities in climate solutions
• Strengthen climate knowledge and capabilities across institutions
• Establish a financially stable, scalable operating model

Prepare PA will convene a network of participants, with Penn State providing coordination and administration, where all members of the network bring technical expertise, local leadership and implementation capacity to address the Commonwealth's climate resilience challenges.

The 2026 regional meetings intend to strengthen connections across Pennsylvania and ensure the network reflects the needs and priorities of communities statewide. Future regional meetings are in the planning stages.