How do you make the most of your time at IST? Ask any student, and you’ll likely get the same response: get involved! Joining a student organization is a great way to enhance your learning experience, connect with other students, and network with potential employers.
Association for Women in Computing
AWC is a student organization that supports and empowers women and gender-diverse individuals in computing and tech-related fields. Through professional development, mentorship, and community-building events, AWC fosters an inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds to thrive in the College of IST and beyond.
Bits and Bytes for a Fight
Bits and Bytes for a Fight strives to bring the IST community together to support the Penn State Dance Marathon (THON) and the Four Diamonds Fund. Through close partnerships among students, alumni, faculty and staff in the College, Bits and Bytes will inspire hope by providing emotional and financial support.
Competitive Cyber Security Organization
The Competitive Cyber Security Organization (CCSO) aims to educate those involved on current cybersecurity methods and practices and facilitate an informative environment where students from all educational levels and backgrounds can master safe computing practices. The club hosts trips to cybersecurity conferences and competitions locally and nationally where members can practice what they have learned. Members are not required to attend these competitions, but they are encouraged to continue learning.
Cybersecurity Consulting Club
The Cybersecurity Consulting Club empowers students to build real-world skills through hands-on cybersecurity projects and professional experiences. Members work on industry-relevant challenges, gaining practical knowledge they can showcase on their résumés. The club also fosters career readiness and networking by connecting students with cybersecurity professionals and peers in a collaborative, skills-driven environment.
Fundamentals of Computing Association
FCA helps students strengthen their technical skills and prepare for real-world careers through hands-on projects and collaborative learning. Members work on semester-long team projects using tools like Java, Python, SQL, Red Hat Linux, and cloud services and building smaller, fun challenges along the way. With guidance from alumni, faculty, and industry professionals, students grow their technical confidence, create resume-worthy work, and take ownership of their learning journey. FCA is student-driven and success-focused: you set the direction, and we help you get there.
HAX Club
HAX Club is the student organization connected to Penn State’s HAX Lab, a research group dedicated to making web creativity accessible to everyone, regardless of technical background. The club explores open web technologies, user-friendly content creation, and the future of digital publishing through hands-on workshops, projects, and collaboration with the HAX Lab team. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned developer, HAX Club empowers you to create sustainable, high-quality web content without relying on proprietary platforms or tools.
Information Sciences and Technology Principium
IST Principium is a student-led organization dedicated to helping IST students, and students from any college, build the skills and experiences needed for success in tech and beyond. We offer resources and workshops focused on coding, project development, leadership, and professional growth. From peer-led résumé reviews and career prep to interdisciplinary idea-sharing and innovation opportunities, Principium supports your entire college journey. Members can also take on leadership roles through our internal committees, giving you a voice in shaping the direction and impact of the organization.
IST Career Development Organization (ICDO)
ICDO seeks to empower students with the knowledge, resources, and connections needed to succeed in the industry. Our purpose is to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world success by connecting students with recruiters and providing them with the skills necessary to achieve their career goals.
IST Living Learning Community
The IST Living Learning Community (LLC) offers students the unique opportunity to live alongside others who share a passion for Information Sciences and Technology. This vibrant and collaborative environment fosters both academic and personal growth, allowing students to connect with peers who share similar interests and goals. By living in the IST LLC, students can collaborate on coursework, engage in specialized activities, and build lasting friendships both in and out of the classroom. It’s a space where academic support, networking, and a sense of community come together, helping students thrive during their time at Penn State and beyond. For more information on how to live in the LLC contact Penn State Housing Services at liveon@psu.edu
IST Undergraduate Student Council (ISTUSC)
The IST Undergraduate Student Council serves as the voice of the undergraduate student body in the College of IST. ISTUSC advocates for student needs, fosters collaboration among student organizations, and partners with college leadership to enhance the academic and student experience. Through leadership, service, and campus engagement, ISTUSC helps shape a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic community for all IST students.
National Security Club
The National Security Club provides professional development and career readiness information regarding Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies through recruiters, professional speakers, and other representatives of various agencies and backgrounds.
Nittany AI Student Society
The Nittany AI Student Society is a student-led organization that empowers Penn State students to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Through workshops, projects, and networking events, members gain hands-on experience with AI tools and concepts while collaborating across disciplines to solve real-world challenges. The society also supports student participation in the Nittany AI Challenge and fosters connections with industry experts, alumni, and peers passionate about shaping the future of AI. Whether you're new to AI or already experienced, the Nittany AI Student Society offers a welcoming space to learn, build, and innovate.
Nittany Data Labs
Nittany Data Labs provides students with education, exposure, and experience in data science. It provides a comprehensive training program to teach and provide the tools and framework for students interested in better understanding data science, both in the fundamentals and in state-of-the-art techniques. After completing the internal training program, the club shifts to providing real corporate and research projects for students to test their skills. By building a community around data science, we hope to grow the field here at Penn State.
Nittany Entrepreneurship Society
The Nittany Entrepreneurship Society is a student-run organization that cultivates innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking across all disciplines at Penn State. The society connects aspiring student entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and a supportive community to help bring their ideas to life. Through speaker events, pitch competitions, workshops, and collaborative projects, members gain valuable insight into startup culture, business development, and leadership. Whether you're looking to launch your own venture or simply explore the entrepreneurial mindset, the Nittany Entrepreneurship Society is the place to start.
Order of the Sword and Shield
The Penn State chapter of the national academic and professional honor society for all homeland security disciplines.
Red Cell Analytics Lab
The Red Cell Analytics Lab promotes the research, practice, and application of structured analytics, critical thinking, and visual analytics. Through collaborating with University and external partners, the RCAL strives to bring real world problems into the hands of students to enhance analytic output.
Sports Analytics Club
The Penn State Sports Analytics Club is dedicated to advancing the role of data science in sports. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, the club brings together individuals passionate about applying statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization to better understand and impact the sports landscape. Members work on projects that explore player performance, team strategy, fan engagement, and more—using tools like Python, R, and SQL to uncover insights. Our goal is to support the success of Penn State athletics and contribute meaningful research to the broader sports analytics community through innovative, data-driven exploration.
User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA) – Penn State Chapter
UXPA at Penn State connects students to the leading international professional association through local educational, professional, and practical opportunities including project management, design, development, and other user experience practices.
Wiring for Innovation and Racial Equity Development Inter-Network (WIRED IN)
The Wiring for Innovation and Racial Equity Development Inter-Network (WIRED IN) unites students from underrepresented backgrounds in the College of IST, provides a supportive network that fosters an inclusive environment, and offers professional development opportunities for the success of the student body.
Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS)
The official student chapter of Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) at the University Park Campus is a community of women, allies and advocates dedicated to the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in cybersecurity. Get a chance to network with peers and professionals, attend tech talks, be part of book clubs and so much more!
Women in IST (WIST)
Women in IST (WIST) promotes a sense of unity among the women of IST by offering networking opportunities, career resources, community and academic presentations, and leadership training. The organization strives to support the recruitment and sustained interest of women in the College of IST, ensuring that female students and faculty members are equally and actively involved in all aspects of education and in the rapidly changing world of technology.
