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)
Connect with fellow students at the museum while participating in artmaking, gallery activities and games, tours, performances, and more. These themed programs take place on scheduled dates during the fall and spring semesters and include art activities and light refreshments.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming programs on Thursday nights from 5–8 p.m.
- February 26, 2026 | WE ARE Here (Insistent Presence)
- March 26, 2026 | College Couture
- April 23, 2026 | Rhythms + Rhymes
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 1.5–4 hours each week to act as student advisors and as partners in creating and presenting programs designed for Penn State students. Required weekly training: Thursdays, 3:30–5 p.m.
Recruitment for Spring 2026 is open! Apply by Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Apply to be a PSA
Internships
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.
SUMMER 2026 INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2!
Check back for application info.
FALL 2026 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.
FALL 2026 INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN MONDAY, MARCH 2!
Check back for application info.