For five years, Justin Scinocco was a Navy special warfare combatant-craft crewman (SWCC), a member of an elite team that supports Navy SEALS. He served in Iraq in 2003. In 2011, he enrolled in Penn State's World Campus to prepare for a medical career. For his Navy service and academic achievements, Scinocco has been chosen to receive the first Alexander P. Fletcher Navy Student Award presented by the World Campus.

Energy use will increase 35 percent globally over the next 25 years, according to a Pew Charitable Trusts report, which also warns that current energy policies may no longer ensure economic competitiveness, national security and a livable environment. What's needed is new ways to encourage clean energy and job growth and reduce carbon emissions. Penn State's B.A. in Energy and Sustainability Policy degree, delivered online, is designed to prepare graduates for a role in developing this new energy policy approach. The Sloan Consortium has selected the degree for its 2012 Outstanding Online Program Award.

Worldwide environmental concerns, regional economics and national security issues are driving increased interest in energy and sustainability policy. Complexity and opportunity abound as policymakers seek creative, effective legislative solutions while organizations of all types work to influence and comply. Penn State's B.A. in energy and sustainability policy (ESP) aims to prepare professionals for roles in this evolving economy. Delivered online, the program features a unique component where students participate in an internship close to home or an international study experience.

Cyber attacks are on the rise, according to the Department of Homeland Security's Industrial Control Systems Emergency Response Team, which tracks and investigates incidents. In 2011, the nuclear, energy, government and chemical sectors experienced multiple sophisticated spear-phishing campaigns aimed at accessing sensitive information. To help safeguard critical national computer systems and technology infrastructure, Penn State is launching a bachelor of science in security and risk analysis degree online.

Since Graduate! Philadelphia (G!P) got started, the organization dedicated to helping Philadelphia area adults complete a college degree has helped 1,500 adults return to college. About 200 adults have graduated, and 7,000 more are exploring their education options. Penn State, a long-time G!P partner, recently renewed its commitment with the organization. This fall, Penn State's online campus, World Campus, will send admissions and advising staff to the G!P Center, located at 9th and Market Streets in downtown Philadelphia, to talk with prospective students about online programs.

Increasing at more than double the national average, Penn State's online enrollments are the result of the strong partnership between the World Campus and the University's academic colleges and campuses. The number of students learning online through Penn State's World Campus grew 22 percent, from 9,380 to 11,420, from academic year 2010-11 to 2011-12. Enrollments in online courses also increased 19 percent, from 39,219 to 46,693.

Penn State adult learner Shounda Hathaway of Hampton Roads, Va., started her Penn State career at Penn State Altoona in 1986. She transferred to Penn State Harrisburg for her junior year, but financial issues caused her to drop out. It wasn't until 2005 when she learned about Penn State's World Campus that she resumed her studies. In between, Hathaway married and had a son, who was diagnosed with autism. As an online student, she also overcame pneumonia and a mild heart attack. She will graduate on Saturday, May 5.