Harmelin Challenge

A media-planning pitch competition for Penn State students.

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 / 4:30 p.m. Bellisario Media Center

The 2026 Harmelin Challenge is a media-planning pitch competition that will award $7,500 in prizes to student teams who can successfully build and present advertising and media strategies to help a client achieve its business goals.

This year’s client is West Shore Home, a home-improvement company (founded by a Penn State alumnus) with 40 locations across the United States.

Support for the Harmelin Challenge is provided by the CommVentures Funds, including the Mary Meder Innovation Lab Fund.