Pennstate Research Associates (PRA) was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1957 to provide consulting services to industry and government across academic fields. Faculty associates charged consultation fees, returning 20% to PRA which used the funds to support basic research at Penn State, although there was never any official connection with the Pennsylvania State University. Records cease after 1962.
From the description of Pennstate Research Associates records, 1957-1962. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 741311556