Penn State's EnvironMentors program connects high school students from underserved districts with the University's world-class research facilities and faculty, providing opportunities for them to achieve bright futures. The program, now in its sixth year, is currently accepting applications for faculty, undergraduate and high school students for the 2023-24 cohort. Applications are due by Oct. 15.
Passionate about helping others and tapping into her creativity, when Tanya Johnson learned of a marketing internship through a class with Penn State Schuylkill Co-Op, she knew she wanted to give it a try. A second-year student who's part of the Division of Undergraduate Studies, Johnson is exploring different major options and career pathways. After completing her first internship and continuing her time in co-op, Johnson feels more confident in herself and her journey throughout her academic and professional careers.
For go-getter Julia Carestia, joining Penn State Schuylkill Co-Op helped open the doors to her future. After completing a marketing internship with D.G. Yuengling & Son this summer, Carestia is confident in her ability to succeed in the workplace. A second-year student at Penn State Schuylkill, Carestia credits Co-Op with helping her build her portfolio – and her professional skills.
Two Penn State professors are taking a closer look at alcohol consumption among students at rural colleges. Nicole Ryerson, assistant professor of psychology at Penn State Lehigh Valley, and Jessica Saalfield, assistant professor of psychology and assistant coordinator for the honors program at Penn State Schuylkill, were awarded an early career grant for their research from the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center at University Park in April. This semester, both were invited to join the center as faculty affiliates.
At an event held on Oct. 31, leaders from the Student Philanthropy Network announced that the class of 2024 has voted to create the University Park Undergraduate Association Basic Needs Endowment as their class gift. The fund will provide sustained support for students facing hardships in pursuit of their degree.
Aylah Campos, a second-year student pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing at the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing at Penn State Schuylkill, won first place in the college-wide art contest. The competition tasked nursing students with considering the "Three Cs" of nursing — caring, compassion and communication — as inspiration to address the political, social and practical challenges of providing nursing care with art.
Penn State Schuylkill recently partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue to offer continuing education units (CEUs) to state employees training in an efficiency program known as Lean Six Sigma. Participants are trained in the eight step problem solving methodology, which prepares them to streamline business processes.
During finals week, Penn State University Libraries offers stress-reducing games and activities to help students relax as they study for finals and complete end-of-semester projects.
Penn State Schuylkill students presented original research at the campus' fall 2023 Undergraduate Research Symposium on Nov. 29. Twenty students from a variety of disciplines presented on topics that ranged from synthesis of chemical compounds to the use of artificial intelligence in a 3D environment, as well as on cultural and societal issues.