UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW), a Penn State Student Affairs unit, seeks applicants for the HealthWorks peer education program for the 2024-25 academic year. The program trains students to promote healthy behaviors among their peers, fostering a culture of well-being on campus. HPW invites students with a passion for health and wellness to apply.
HealthWorks members educate students on various health topics, including sexual health, healthy relationships, nutrition, stress and sleep, by delivering educational workshops and individual wellness services.
“Any student interested in health and wellness should consider joining HealthWorks,” says Alexis Patkochis, a current HealthWorks peer educator. “Being a member of HealthWorks has provided me with many valuable experiences in educating and assisting my peers through one-on-one wellness sessions, group workshops, and outreach tables. HealthWorks has allowed me to build on my knowledge of health and wellness, improve my public speaking, and further develop my leadership skills.”
HPW hopes to offer positions to 40 to 50 students. Students from all academic majors are encouraged to apply. After completing the required 3-credit training course, students must commit to up to two academic semesters. Upon completing the required course, students can apply for a paid position as a peer educator.
“Becoming a Peer Educator is an empowering adventure where individuals not only share valuable health insights but also unlock personal growth and develop leadership skills and a strong sense of community,” says Wynter Adamas, community health educator for HPW. “By joining, you can play a vital role in creating a campus culture that prioritizes well-being, and you will discover how this opportunity goes beyond spreading knowledge — it’s about becoming a positive force for change, enhancing your college journey with invaluable experiences, and contributing to a healthier, more connected campus life.”
Selected participants will undergo comprehensive training (a 3-credit course in biobehavioral health) designed to help develop group presentation skills, facilitate one-on-one discussion, and engage in outreach events. The training course covers health behavior theory, promotion strategies, and issues relevant to the college population. A minimum three-semester commitment is required, including one semester of training and two semesters of paid activity. Applicants should plan to graduate no earlier than December 2025 to fulfill the commitment.
To apply, students must complete an online application and submit their unofficial transcript to HPW by March 1. Further details about the HealthWorks program and the application process can be found on the Healthworks Website.