Students are encouraged to use community resources and can take classes from the high school, Delta, and Penn State. Delta Students enjoy small class sizes, mixed grade levels, and a set of freedoms which are typically restricted to college-age learning. To encourage a unity between teachers and students, teachers are referred to on a first name basis. The program also opened a middle level program, which proved to be quite popular. Community service is an important aspect of the Delta experience. Each year a student has to maintain 30 hours annually to stay within the Delta Community. Students, parents, and advisors meet regularly to discuss academic progress and set new goals. These meetings allow the teachers and parents one-on-one time with the student to discuss achievements as well as any problems the student may be having. Students are allowed open campus and are free to leave the Delta building during their lunch and free periods. Many students walk downtown, which is only a few minutes away from the school. Driver's education In 1932, Amos Neyhart, assistant professor at Penn State University, began the country's first driver's education in-car course at State College Area High School. The program was altered after the 2010–2011 school year due to budget cuts from the new school board, which removed the course's behind-the-wheel component. Notable alumni Academia Harry Atwater – professor of applied physics and materials science at Caltech Francis Fukuyama – political scientist, author of The End of History and the Last Man Charles Myers – former labor economist, author, and professor Athletics Stan Belinda – former Major League Baseball pitcher Ryan Gruhn – martial artist and MMA coach Larry Johnson Jr. – former Penn State Football running back, played most recently for the Miami Dolphins, brother of Tony Johnson, son of Larry Johnson Tony Johnson – former Penn State Football player, brother of Larry Johnson Jr., son of Larry Johnson David Kimball – former NFL and NFL Europe placekicker Rob Koll – head wrestling coach at Stanford University, son of Bill Koll Butch Leitzinger – professional race car driver in the American Le Mans Series Gabe Norwood – former NCAA basketball player, currently playing in the professional PBA league, brother of Jordan Norwood Jordan Norwood – former NFL wide receiver, former Penn State Football wide receiver, brother of Gabe Norwood Barry Parkhill – former American Basketball Association shooting guard, brother of Bruce Parkhill