Strengthening Public Education, Empowering Future Leaders
The PSBA Institute (PSBA-I) is an independent, 501(c)(3) organization based in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, that aims to foster an exceptional public education system for all of the commonwealth’s students through networking, information sharing, and awards and recognitions.
The Center for AI in Education supports districts by monitoring trends, providing continuing education, and advocating for a legal and regulatory framework as AI becomes more prevalent in education.
The Center for Leadership & Research is dedicated to fostering an exceptional public education system through continuing education and immersive experiences for public school district leaders.
The Center for Education Foundations prioritizes the needs of the commonwealth’s local education foundations through ongoing training opportunities and valuable information.
The Center for Charter Innovation identifies current trends and collects data related to charter schools in Pennsylvania.
Events
Winter 2027: Foundational AI for School Leaders
Fall 2026: Foundational AI for School Leaders
Foundational AI for School Leaders
Insights from Germany: PSBA Institute’s International Education Study Group
Bold leadership and innovative thinking are essential to shaping the future of public education. In spring 2026, a delegation of Pennsylvania school leaders, educators and policymakers traveled to North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, as part of the third annual PSBA Institute International Education Study Group. The purpose of this study group was to explore one of the world’s most respected education systems and bring back insights that can inform and inspire change here at home.
Awards
This page highlights two distinguished honors presented by PSBA Institute: the Pennsylvania Education Innovation Awards, which recognize groundbreaking practices that advance public education and the William Howard Day Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to public education by individuals, groups or organizations across the commonwealth.
International Study Group
This annual international study group develops recommendations centered on changes school districts could implement to significantly enhance district academics, operations, facilities and culture.
The application for the 2027 International Education Study Group is now open.
Scholarships
The Student Leader Scholarships have been established to provide a one-time scholarship of up to $2,500 or $5,000 to each recipient. The scholarships recognize graduating seniors from PSBA member districts who have demonstrated ongoing leadership and meet the criteria for one of four available scholarships.
The Frerichs Scholarship
The Frerichs Scholarship recognizes a student planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education. Dr. Richard Frerichs is a past president of PSBA, retired professor of education at Millersville University, recipient of the 2022 William Howard Day Award and founding chair of the PA Public Education Foundation. Recipients of the Frerichs Scholarship are planning to enroll in an education-related major at a Pennsylvania State System school and have a demonstrated track record of leadership during their high school tenure.
The Marcus Scholarship
The Marcus Scholarship recognizes a student planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public safety, criminology, forensics or other law-enforcement/safety majors. Roberta M. Marcus is a past president of PSBA, longtime local school board leader, past community college chair, founding chair of the Pennsylvania School Safety Institute and recipient of the PSBA Allwein Society Award. Recipients of the Marcus Scholarship must possess a demonstrated track record of leadership during their high school tenure.
The H.H. Quimby Scholarship
The H.H. Quimby Scholarship recognizes a student who has served as a student representative to their local school board during their high school academic career. Mr. Quimby served as the first state president of PSBA in 1895. Recipients of the Quimby Scholarship must have a demonstrated track record of leadership and service during their high school tenure and plan to pursue a degree focused on policy, political science, advocacy or non-profit management.
The Swope Scholarship
The Swope Scholarship recognizes a student planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the arts. Kathy Swope is a past president of PSBA, longtime local school board leader, and founding chair of the PSBA Trust and PSBA Insurance Company. Recipients of the Swope Scholarship must possess a demonstrated track record of leadership in the arts during their high school tenure.
Resources
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