UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Open Diversity Outreach Opportunities in Research (Open DOOR) internship program at the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) received the gold level Excellence Award in the Academic Advising, Careers, Graduate, Professional category from Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA).
Open DOOR is a summer internship and mentoring program for highly qualified undergraduate students in STEM to support them in developing technical skills, communication skills and career readiness. The program also serves as a pipeline to bring new talent into ARL.
“Open DOOR is a key component of ARL’s strategic goal to recruit, retain and develop a world-class workforce,” said Allan Sonsteby, executive director of ARL. “This award highlights the importance of the internship program in achieving that goal.”
The Open DOOR internship program provides the theory to application, hands-on work and strategic mentoring that nurtures students into transformational leaders, said Dara Sanoubane, ARL leadership and education specialist.
NASPA’s Excellence Awards recognize the contributions of members who are transforming higher education through outstanding programs, innovative services and effective administration.
The Academic Advising, Careers, Graduate, Professional category highlights innovative initiatives that relate to the programs, policies, procedures, best practices or services provided.
“I am excited to receive this recognition as it highlights the contributions of the Open DOOR program alumni and advances the future participation of student talent,” Sanoubane said. “This recognition also underscores the laboratory’s dedication to inclusive excellence and the success of our mentors’ servant leadership and commitment to education.”
"We are truly honored to receive this incredibly special recognition from NASPA," said Larry P. Thomas, chief diversity officer and managing director of ARL's Leadership Development, Culture and Student Programs Hub. "We dedicate this award to Pat Hayes, who started Open DOOR in 1997, and our everyday inspiration — the mentors and alumni of the program. We will place our award in a space where members of the Penn State University community will see it often and be reminded of our irreversible commitment to inclusion, equity and belonging.”
ARL is a multidisciplinary research center supporting the Department of Defense and other federal government activities, as well as the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, since 1945.
NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health and sustainability of the student affairs profession.