UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa — Penn State Students United Against Poverty (SUAP), a University-affiliated student organization of the Office of Student Care and Advocacy, is recruiting a new student ambassador cohort for the 2024-25 academic year to combat poverty and basic needs insecurity at University Park.
SUAP ambassadors have access to paid leadership opportunities, professional development, academic experiences within the human development realm, and involvement in projects and programming that directly support students facing significant hardship. To apply, students must submit a written application and complete an interview. Once accepted, ambassadors engage in an orientation that includes education on University, community and federal resources; case management; the state of basic needs insecurity at Penn State; and introduction to SUAP initiatives. The application is available online and will close at midnight on Friday, March 29.
“As an adviser to Students United Against Poverty, I am inspired by the dedication and passion of our student ambassadors in combating poverty and addressing basic needs insecurity at Penn State,” said Leanne Lenz, case manager for Student Care and Advocacy. “Through their leadership, advocacy and involvement in meaningful projects, they are not only making a difference in the lives of their fellow students but also contributing to systemic change. I encourage all eligible students to apply and join us in this important mission.”
Accepted students can apply for a paid executive board position and paid internship opportunities within the Office of Student Care and Advocacy. Students meet weekly to learn about poverty nationally and locally through readings, discussions and guest speakers. The organization's purpose is twofold: address and combat poverty on a systemic level and actively support students facing financial hardship during their time at Penn State.
New ambassadors can join one of the following committees with specialized responsibilities: the Operations Committee, Finance and Development Committee, the Communications and Marketing Committee, and the Government and Community Relations Committee.
Students United Against Poverty was initially founded with the name Project Cahir. It was established in memory of Sgt. Bill Cahir, a State College native and 1990 Penn State graduate killed in action in Afghanistan while working on building a school for girls. He lived a life dedicated to civic engagement and duty. After his death, his family created this initiative to honor his commitment to civic duty through the students of Project Cahir.
Students United Against Poverty was revitalized in fall 2022 and has since established a Basic Needs Hub; completed the PA Hunger-Free Campus application, which secured $60,000 for anti-poverty projects; advocated for the successful implementation of electronic benefits transfer (EBT) acceptance at Market East; and developed programs to be executed in the 2024-25 academic year.
Visit the Student United Against Poverty website for more information.