Program Coordination Intern

Location: Penn State University Park, United States of America

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Penn State Extended Learning Partnerships (ELP) seeks a Program Coordination Intern to gain hands-on experience supporting the planning, coordination, and delivery of non-credit educational programs, including camps, workshops, and conferences. The Program Coordination Intern will work closely with ELP staff and program partners to support programs serving a variety of audiences, including adults and youth. Responsibilities will include assisting with on-site program operations such as registration (check-in/check-out), poster sessions, exhibits, receptions, meals, activities, and other program components. The intern will participate in staff and partner meetings and will lead or assist with assigned tasks and projects that contribute to the successful delivery of programs. Through these experiences, the intern will develop an understanding of the planning, communication, coordination, teamwork, and problem-solving that take place behind the scenes to create successful programs.

UPSkill Penn State Canvas Course

As part of this experience, students will enroll in a free, non-credit, 8-week Canvas mini-course designed to support reflection and growth while being supported by an Experiential Learning Coach and periodic meetings throughout the semester. Students will develop NACE competences, including communication, critical thinking, teamwork, technology, leadership, professionalism, career and self-development, and equity & inclusion. Students will have the opportunity to present at the Experiential Learning Showcase at a future date if desired.

Schedule & Compensation

This internship typically runs 10–12 weeks, depending on the candidate’s availability and ELP’s operational needs. Spring internships run from February through April. Start and end dates may be flexible to accommodate academic or personal schedules but must be communicated beforehand. At ELP, we value experiential learning and strive to support both academic commitments and personal development when determining internship timelines.

This paid internship is $15/hour, with an expected commitment of 10–20 hours per week, depending on workload, internship requirements, and class schedules. Students seeking credit for an internship course may coordinate up to 35 hours per week, subject to approval and noted in their application materials.

The ELP office follows a hybrid schedule, with in-person workdays on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Interns will be required to work in person when possible; as remote work will be limited. Evening and weekend hours are required during programs and will be scheduled in advance.

Requirements

This internship requires the successful completion of the Pennsylvania (PA) Publicly Available Clearances: PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Criminal Record Check, and the FBI Criminal History Background Check. To be considered for this position, applicants must apply online and submit a resume and cover letter stating your interest.

A successful candidate for this position should be interested in events, meetings, recreation, or program management.  Some planning knowledge and experience would be beneficial but is not required.  The ability to communicate routinely, organize information, research and explore resources, and quickly identify solutions to problems are critical to success. ELP takes pride in providing a positive, supportive, team-oriented, and flexible work culture, in which employees have a voice and are valued.

As part of this position, students are expected to participate in Penn State Outreach’s experiential learning framework. This includes completing brief pre- and post-assessments and self-reflections aligned with the NACE Career Readiness Competencies, a nationally recognized set of skills associated with career readiness. Students will enroll in and complete UpSkill Penn State, a free, non-credit, 8-week Canvas mini-course designed to support learning, reflection, and professional growth. The course is completed once; however, students may be asked to reflect on skill development throughout their participation in Outreach-led or Outreach-based programs and events.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, re