In 2019, 3M made the decision to concentrate partnerships with a few “key” university partners.  With a breadth of research capabilities and a deep, diverse pool of talent, Penn State’s strengths firmly align with 3M’s goals and make Penn State one of those key partners.

“Like Penn State, 3M is committed to innovative research that continues to improve the world,” said Lora Weiss, senior vice president for research, Penn State University. “And, we are proud to partner with 3M to help educate and empower Penn State students to create new technological solutions that solve real-world problems.”

Recently, 3M signed a 5-year research agreement with Penn State to continue a productive history of research collaboration. Over the years, Penn State and 3M have explored polymeric anion exchange membranes, conduction in silicon rubber, ice protection coating performance, and more together. The new agreement paves the way for an exciting future of research collaboration.  It also unifies the efforts of 3M and 3M Foundation with units across Penn State under one strategic vision for corporate engagement in research.

Underscoring 3M’s commitment to developing a diverse talent pipeline is their participation in career fairs, support of graduate fellowships in several colleges across the University and support of the Penn State Millennium Scholars program. The Penn State Millennium Scholars Program is designed for high-achieving science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students who will become leaders in their chosen fields and are committed to increasing the diversity of professionals in STEM-related disciplines. The program connects 3M to precisely the talent 3M hopes to attract and nurture.

“It’s important for 3M to work with researchers and students who are passionate about creating solutions that are meaningful and make people’s lives better. Penn State and 3M share a common purpose-driven strategy to tackle problems, big and small, in pursuit of improving humankind.” Greg Anderson, Vice President of 3M’s Corporate Research Lab

3M’s work with Penn State is also a testament to 3M’s broader commitment to education, including increasing STEM exposure in K-12 classrooms and in afterschool activities; supporting experiential learning opportunities for high-school students; enhancing the quality of STEM teaching by investing in teacher professional development; and providing scholarships and supporting professional development opportunities for diverse students.

3M helps students pursue careers in STEM by providing scholarships, including the Wallin Education Scholarship, and UNCF Scholarships aimed at minorities.

3M applies science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily as employees connect with customers all around the world. 3M Company is a diversified technology company that manufactures and markets a broad array of innovative products including tapes, adhesives, filtration products, transportation safety products, medical and surgical supplies, skin health and infection prevention products, dental and orthodontic products, packaging and interconnection devices, touch screen and touch monitors, and home care products.