The best way to understand WorkLink is to meet our students, Allies, and Interns!

Student Statements:

I have a chance to spend time with the Allies. We go to class together and play games together. Because of WorkLink I have an internship at the Johnston Commons sorting out the USPS mail and sorting packages! -Christopher (2nd-Year WorkLink Student)
I get to spend time with my Allies, playing games and eating meals together. I get to take Penn State classes where I can do assignments. WorkLink is preparing me to have a job soon because I learn about responsibility, financial skills, and time management! -Zachary (1st-Year Student)
WorkLink has provided me the opportunity to get an internship at Pollock Commons Dining Hall. My internship is great because I feel very independent, and I like having a job. The teachers, interns, Allies, and job coaches are awesome. I like when mentors take us for lunch and the on-campus experiences. -Haley (2nd-Year WorkLink Student)
WorkLink is teaching me information that helps me be a better employee, such as job interview skills, financial skills, responsibility, and self-advocacy. I have also been able to take cool Penn State classes. -Aaranya (1st-Year WorkLink Student)
WorkLink means a lot to me. I feel like I belong to something special. It has been a great experience and I would recommend this program to anyone. -Em (2nd-Year WorkLink Student)

Blonde boy in Penn State shirt, smiling and working at the cash register at the Penn State Bookstore

Girl smiling while restocking items at Penn State Bookstore Boy smiling while wiping tables at Sbarro's Pizza Boy smiling while sorting mail at Johnston Commons

Boy smiling while sorting packages at Findlay Commons Boy smiling while swiping meal cards at Penn State Altoona's Port Sky Cafe

Ally Statements:

My favorite thing about WorkLink is watching these students grow and become more and more independent every day. I love seeing their smiles and continuous positivity with whatever task they are doing. Some of them are experiencing internships for the first time or a sense of freedom in their day to day lives, and it is truly rewarding to watch them make their mark on the world and see the positive impact they have on the lives around them. -Ryan Sorbo (WorkLink Ally)
I love how the WorkLink program encourages students to grow. Strengths and struggles are acknowledged. The community is fun and supportive, and I can tell that this program is changing lives. -Amira El-Dinary (WorkLink Ally)
I love being able to spend time with all the students and getting to watch them grow and learn so much through all of the incredible opportunities they are given thanks to this wonderful program. -Payton Shilling (WorkLink Ally)

Intern Statements:

My favorite thing about the WorkLink program is seeing the progress that our students make over the course of their enrollment, particularly in their interpersonal skills and independence! -Laila Kennedy (WorkLink Intern)
My favorite thing is seminar, where we get to present on important topics like self-advocacy, healthy habits, independent living, financial literacy, and more. I also love seeing all their smiling faces! -Kerry Hasson (WorkLink Intern)

Group of 5 students and 2 Allies smiling outside of Pattee and Paterno library

Group photo of students and Allies on a sunny day at the Nittany Lion Shrine

Group photo of students and Allies at the Penn State Arboretum on a fall day