Program Director: Dr. Linda Rhen
Program Coordinator: Sandy McBride
Olmsted Building
Office Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Please note
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. Our program 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
- Person-First Language
- 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 coaching, career field trip experiences, job shadowing, and practicums. 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
Alexis is getting her resume reviewed by Career Services
Camar working hard during his practicum with Maintenance and Operations on campus
Chloe spending time at the Madlyn L. Hanes Library
Dancing in the quad.
Daniel is playing foosball at the SEC
Enjoying an evening at the Dream Scholarship event
High fives from the Lion at the welcome event
Jacy and peer mentor, Mackenzie, at Fall Fest
Job Shadow at Nour Coffee Shop. Students made their own latte
Maggie getting interviewed for being a part of Field Hockey
Maggie in the pool during her Basic SCUBA class
Patrick is completing puzzles with peer mentors, Yasmine and Crissy
Peer mentors planning a game of basketball at the CUB
Practicum students at the Central PA Food Bank, where they work on essential job skills
Practicum students working at Humane Society
Sarah practicing Yoga during her academic class
Students and peer mentors enjoying time together
Tartil and peer mentor, Lucy, studying during academic support
Tyler is learning how to use a professional camera in his academic class
