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
Michaël is responsible for all strategy operation, and communication of SCYP. Acts as ambassador of SCYP to the community at events, meetings, and other engagement opportunities. Designates strategic vision and goals for SCYP based on input from board and members. Leads meetings of members, of the Board of Directors, and of the Advisory Council.
Benjamin Dworsky
Treasurer
Ben manages financial responsibilities, accounting, and membership dues
Favorite SCYP Memory: Brew Tour
Why you joined State College Young Professionals: To be part of a bigger community and give back to my home town of State College!!
Michael Mannchen
Secretary
Supports board’s operations, planning, and monthly meetings minutes
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. If you are interested in serving in a below position, please consider these commitments. We all volunteer!
Current openings as of EOY 2026: Sports and Recreation co-chair, Personal Development, 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 Meetup page.
Alex Fatemi
Membership Experience
Alex is effective at welcoming newcomers and facilitating introductions.
Favorite SCYP Memory: Musical Chairs at the Christmas Party
Why you joined State College Young Professionals: Looking for communities in town and activities to do in State College.
Anthony Stem
Membership Experience
Anthony excels at making new members feel welcome and getting acquainted
Danielle Bittner
Volunteering
Danielle coordinates volunteering opportunities with local non-profits
Luke Marcinko
Social Experience
Luke plans social events including the monthly Sips happy hour and monthly coffee club events.
Favorite SCYP Memory: Volunteering at Habitat for Humanity
Why you joined State College Young Professionals: To have opportunities to socialize and join communities in the Satte College area.
Allison Sherrick
Personal Development
Allison creates personal and professional growth opportunities
Pat Sabol
Sports & Recreation
Pat captains sport leagues and helps organize recreational activities
Wesley Owens
Personal Development
Wesley creates personal and professional growth opportunities
Open Position:
Sports & Recreation
Captains sport leagues and helps organize recreational activities
Isaac Witlin
Community Engagement
Isaac acts as SCYP’s local community liaison and oversees SCYP’s passport program
State College Young Professionals 