Empowering Student-Athletes to Create, Innovate, and Dominate
The Penn State Brand Academy is a comprehensive program designed to empower student-athletes with the knowledge and skills to cultivate personal brands, navigate endorsement opportunities, and explore entrepreneurial ventures. The Brand Academy is committed to creating a culture that encourages, nurtures, and rewards innovation—ensuring Penn State student-athletes have the tools to create, innovate, and dominate in the collegiate space and beyond.
Through educational programming and strategic support, the Brand Academy focuses on:
- Personal branding, now and in the future
- Entrepreneurship and financial competency
- Navigating endorsement opportunities
2024 Impact Highlights
In 2024, the Brand Academy broadened its reach through dynamic programming and campus partnerships, including:
- The Digital TestLab, Content Creator Cohort with Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank
- The inaugural Lions to Leaders Symposium and Brand Academy Summit
- Community and student engagement through summer bridge programs, classroom sessions, and local outreach
- Collaborations with the Bellisario College of Communications and the Sokolov-Miller Financial Center
These efforts underscore the Brand Academy’s commitment to developing student-athletes as leaders on and off the field.
A Legacy Gift, A Lasting Impact
The Brand Academy was made possible through the Wally Triplett Brand Academy Endowment, a transformative $2.5 million anonymous gift honoring the legacy of one of Penn State’s trailblazing student-athletes. Read more about the gift.
