Founded in 2009, the State College Young Professionals (SCYP) is a group of active, civic-minded professionals who have a clear vision of State College’s future as a great place to live, work and play. We strive to enhance the community by providing an opportunity for professionals to network, volunteer, socialize and have fun. We work from the ground up by promoting local businesses and organizations, and volunteering our services to make Happy Valley a great place to live, work, and play.
With over 100 members and growing, the impact and commitment to our community and its many organizations, is unwavering.
Mission statement: To make State College a more attractive place for young professionals to live, work and play and provide young professionals with a reason to stay.
Core Values: WE ARE an organization that promotes and abides by Live, Work, Play
Live -We are one community. At SCYP, we believe in being active and involved in making our community a better place. We volunteer and fundraise with a passion and energy for everyone living in Happy Valley.
Work – Chances are you might have moved to State College for a new job or potentially graduate school (that’s work, right?) We get it. We work here, too! SCYP provides a year-round forum for young professionals to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other. No matter your profession, together we build a foundation upon which State College can build its future.
Play – Life can’t be all work – We have some fun along the way! State College has an abundance of opportunities to kick back, relax, and have fun. Whether you are settling down or passing through, we may be colleagues and neighbors, but most of all, we are friends. Whether it’s on the softball field, at a happy hour, or at a fundraiser, SCYP offers events to meet new people and make new friends.
Organization Leadership
Michael Mannchen
President
Michael is responsible for all strategy, operation, and communication. Acts as the ambassador of SCYP to the community at events, meetings, and other engagement opportunities. Designates the strategic vision and goals for SCYP based on input from the board and members. Leads meetings of members, Board of Directors, and Advisory Council.
Vice President
VACANT
Deborah D. N.
Secretary
Debie supports the Board’s operations, planning, and monthly meeting minutes
Benjamin Dworsky
Treasurer
Ben manages financial responsibilities, accounting, and membership dues
Department Chairs
Co-chairing allows dedicated members to share responsibilities and volunteer-time to best support organizational efforts. In addition, every third event is led by a rotating officer and two chairs. We All Volunteer!
Current Opening EOY 2026: Sports and Recreation, Volunteering, and Social Experience. Please contact us to learn more!
Grace Stevens
Director of Communication
Grace helps design, create, and distribute important communications to members and publishing monthly events to our website, Facebook events, and MeetUp page
Ariana Quam
Director of Communication
Ariana helps design, create, and distribute important communications to members and publishing monthly events to our website, Facebook events, and MeetUp page
Isaac Witlin
Director of Community Engagement
Isaac acts as SCYP’s local community liaison and oversees SCYP’s Passport program
Danielle Bittner
Director of Volunteering
Danielle coordinates volunteering opportunities with local non-profits
Luke Marcinko
Director of Social Experience
Luke plans social events including the monthly SCYP Social and monthly coffee club events
Brandon Scott
Director of Personal Development
Brandon creates personal and professional growth opportunities
Alex Fatemi
Director of Membership Experience
Alex is effective at welcoming newcomers and facilitating introductions
Nathan Smith
Director of Membership Experience
Nate excels at making new members feel welcome and getting acquainted
VACANT
Director of Sports and Recreation
This position captains sport leagues and helps organize recreational activities
VACANT
Director of Volunteering
This position coordinates volunteering opportunities with local non-profits
VACANT
Director of Social Experience
This position works to plan social events for members and guests
