Individuals with intellectual disabilities, ages 18-25, are eligible to apply to the program. 

The Nittany Lion cheers the Career Studies team as they prepare to run the campus' annual Bathtub Race.
 

Criteria for Success

To be successful in the program students need to:

  • Have family and/or caretaker support for the duration of the program
  • Develop the ability to navigate campus independently
  • Demonstrate communication skills adequate to interact with others
  • Demonstrate socially acceptable behavior and emotional maturity
  • Demonstrate basic safety skills in unsupervised settings
  • Be motivated to learn and benefit from participation in the program
  • Express desire to work as independently as possible upon completion of the program

Semester Sequence

The program follows Penn State’s academic calendar. Students enroll in Customer Relations and Life Transitions coursework, academic courses, and engage in campus activities and vocational experiences 18 – 25 hours per week. Full-time undergraduate or graduate students  (Peer mentors) provide academic and social support and job coaching to the Career Studies students.

Students will:

  • Participate in initial orientation and planning events
  • Participate in initial individual person-centered planning using Penn State Harrisburg’s Lion Tracks planning tool
  • Meet peer mentor(s) and staff
  • Enroll in and audit a minimum of one 3-credit academic course that matches the student’s interests
  • Attend Personal Management classes specifically designed for Career Studies students
  • Identify individual goals related to independence, career exploration, and campus life
  • Participate in Retail Industry Fundamentals curriculum developed by the National Retail Foundation(NRF) and complete exam #1
  • Participate in weekly group Job Exploration Tours (JETs)
  • Reflect on each JET during class to evaluate likes and dislikes about each job environment
  • Understand own disability and define and discuss the principles of self-determination and self-advocacy
  • Participate in at least one seminar activity and one other campus enrichment event
  • Participate in mid-semester conference to assess progress
  • Participate in the final presentation event
     

Students will:

  • Enroll in and audit a minimum of one 3-credit academic course that matches the student’s interests
  • Attend Personal Management classes specifically designed for Career Studies students
  • Identify individual goals related to independence, career exploration, and campus life
  • Continue to participate in Retail Industry Fundamentals curriculum developed by the National Retail Foundation(NRF) and complete exam #2
  • Participate in weekly group Job Exploration Tours (JETs) until mid-February
  • Reflect on each JET during class to evaluate likes and dislikes about each job environment
  • Continue to understand own disability and define and discuss the principles of self-determination and self-advocacy
  • Complete on-campus practicum experiences with job coach
  • Participate in at least one seminar activity and one other campus enrichment event
  • Participate in mid-semester conference to assess progress
  • Participate in the final presentation event
     

Students will:

  • Enroll in and audit a minimum of one 3-credit academic course that matches the student’s interests
  • Attend Personal Management classes specifically designed for Career Studies students
  • Attend weekly Huddle class, which focuses on practicum experiences and skills
  • Identify individual goals related to independence, career exploration, and campus life
  • Complete Retail Industry Fundamentals curriculum developed by the National Retail Foundation (NRF) and complete exam #3 (earn credential if exams are passed)
  • Practice job skills during both on- and off-campus practicum experiences
  • Continue to understand own disability and define and discuss the principles of self-determination and self-advocacy
  • Participate in one seminar activity and one other campus enrichment event
  • Participate in mid-semester conference to assess progress
  • Participate in the final presentation event
     

Students will:

  • Enroll in and audit a minimum of one 3-credit academic course that matches the student’s interests
  • Attend Personal Management classes specifically designed for Career Studies students
  • Attend weekly Huddle class, which focuses on practicum experiences and skills
  • Identify individual goals related to independence, career exploration, and campus life
  • Engage in off-campus practicum opportunities in diverse work environments to continue job skill development
  • Participate in mid-semester conference to assess progress
  • Participate in one seminar activity and one other campus enrichment event
  • Participate in the final presentation event and Completer Ceremony
  • Students who complete the Career Studies Program will receive a Penn State Career Studies Certificate of Completion