Career Studies
The Career Studies Program at Penn State Harrisburg is a college program for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Program Director: Dr. Linda Rhen
Program Coordinator: Sandy McBride
Assistant Program Coordinator Kate Maddalena
Olmsted Building
Office Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Welcome to the Career Studies Program, a U.S. Department of Education approved Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP), where individuals with intellectual disabilities can obtain a high-quality, individualized post-secondary education that leads to social and professional networks, careers, and a bright future. Career Studies is an inclusive two-year, four-semester program that includes academic and social enrichment, career exploration, and practical work experiences.
Mission Statement
Our program's mission is to provide enriching and inclusive post-secondary education and career exploration experiences that lead to independence and competitive employment.
Program Themes and Principles
- Embracing Diversity
- Exploring Careers
- Focus on Ability not Disability
- Identifying Strengths and Interests
- Importance of Work and Career
- Inclusion
- Independence
- Learning and Growth
- My Voice Matters!
- Obtaining recognizable credentials
- Self-Direction
- Professionalism
- Providing Supports - Fading Support
- Self-Advocacy
- Self-Determination
- Sense of Belonging
These themes are supported by completing a person centered planning process, auditing academic courses, enrolling in Continuing Education courses, vocational theme mapping, Job Exploration Tours, practicums and job coaching. Peer Mentors provide students with support in their academic classes as well as for other on-campus activities. Individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities between the ages of 18 and 25 who seek a higher education experience with a focus on career growth are encouraged to apply!
Group Photo by the Nittany Lion
Credit: Penn State
Alexis is getting her resume reviewed by Career Services
Credit: Penn State
Camar working hard during his practicum with Maintenance and Operations on campus
Credit: Penn State
Chloe spending time at the Madlyn L. Hanes Library
Credit: Penn State
Dancing in the quad.
Credit: Penn State
Daniel is playing foosball at the SEC
Credit: Penn State
Enjoying an evening at the Dream Scholarship event
Credit: Penn State
High fives from the Lion at the welcome event
Credit: Penn State
Jacy and peer mentor, Mackenzie, at Fall Fest
Credit: Penn State
Job Shadow at Nour Coffee Shop. Students made their own latte
Credit: Penn State
Maggie getting interviewed for being a part of Field Hockey
Credit: Penn State
Maggie in the pool during her Basic SCUBA class
Credit: Penn State
Patrick is completing puzzles with peer mentors, Yasmine and Crissy
Credit: Penn State
Peer mentors planning a game of basketball at the CUB
Credit: Penn State
Practicum students at the Central PA Food Bank, where they work on essential job skills
Credit: Penn State
Practicum students working at Humane Society
Credit: Penn State
Sarah practicing Yoga during her academic class
Credit: Penn State
Students and peer mentors enjoying time together
Credit: Penn State
Tartil and peer mentor, Lucy, studying during academic support
Credit: Penn State
Tyler is learning how to use a professional camera in his academic class
Credit: Penn State
