UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW), a unit of Penn State Student Affairs, is currently accepting applications for HealthWorks, a peer outreach and education program designed to promote healthy behaviors among students at University Park. Applications for the 2020-21 academic year are currently being accepted through Feb. 28.
HealthWorks offers two unique opportunities for students with an interest in health and wellness to get involved on campus. These opportunities include facilitating one-on-one wellness services with peers and conducting educational workshops and outreach events. During the application process, interested students will have the option to prioritize which opportunity they are most interested in.
Participation in the program involves a three-semester commitment (one semester of training and two semesters of service). For this reason, students who wish to apply must plan to graduate in fall 2021 or later.
Training for the program requires completion of a three-credit course in biobehavioral health, which is offered during the fall semester. Topics covered in the course include alcohol and other drugs, sexual health, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress, and other health topics that are relevant to the college population. There are no prerequisites to register for the course.
Upon successful completion of the training course, students complete 45 hours of service each semester. Students participate in one of two sets of service activities: 1) providing free wellness services about stress and time management, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, sexual health, and healthy relationships; or 2) conducting educational workshops and other health promotion initiatives (e.g., Love Your Body Week), staffing outreach tables, assisting with healthy cooking demonstrations, writing content for Healthy Penn State social media, and providing HIV test counseling.
“Being a part of HealthWorks has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had while here at Penn State," said Christine Woods, a junior majoring in immunology and infectious disease. “This unique opportunity allows me to connect with my fellow peers and delve into the world of health and wellness. Beyond that, HealthWorks has taught me marketable skills in leadership, communication and holistic wellness that I am grateful and excited to apply not only during my remaining time at Penn State, but later in my professional career."
For more information about HealthWorks, including an application to apply, visit HPW's HealthWorks webpage.