Penn State Officials Urge International Students To Complete Census

Despite being marketed as quick and easy to complete, hundreds of people in Centre County are still confused about 2010 Census forms mailed out nationwide this week.

Penn State officials are urging international students attending classes at the University Park campus to participate in the 2010 census, despite their citizenship status.

According to Census officials, Americans should submit the forms with information about their primary residence as of April 1.

Penn State Office of Global Programs officials said they are working to overcome international students’ negative conceptions when compared to their home countries’ census practices.

“I don’t know anything about it because this is the first time,” said Ghana native Grace Hakizimana. “I am waiting to know more information about it and just fill out the forms.”

Office of Global Programs Coordinator Tia Trueblood told WJAC-TV Friday that the census is user-friendly for international students; available in six languages on paper and 59 others online.

“They’re not necessarily hesitant, just mostly inquisitive,” said Trueblood. “That’s just our job here, to encourage everyone to take it, including international students.”

Centre County could lose out on $1000 per year for the next ten years for every resident who fails to submit 2010 Census information.