The College 2 Career (C2C) program is set to launch in fall 2026. Students will complete coursework during the fall and spring semesters before starting their first internship in summer 2027.
Work-based learning blends academic coursework with workplace experiences. Students alternate periods of academic study with employment, thus blending classroom learning with experience in the workforce to enrich their learning and career preparation.
Students benefit by combining structured academic learning with relevant hands-on work experience. This can help students to clarify professional goals, learn new skills, and earn money to help pay for college. Completing internships can also lead to increased employment prospects upon graduation.
According to a 2024 NACE Survey, paid interns were more likely to land a job after graduation compared to non-interns. Paid interns receive an average of 1.01 job offers after graduation, while non-interns receive an average of 0.77 job offers.
Absolutely! Transfer students may participate fully in the College 2 Career program starting their first semester at Penn State Altoona. Interested students should work with their admissions counselor and academic adviser to enroll in the program.
Employers have found that hiring interns serves as an effective screening and selection process that helps them build a talent pipeline, recruit employees, and vet them for quality and fit.
The work-based learning program will include work experience consisting of up to three summer internships, all supported by academic coursework and co-curricular programming in Career Services. The program will be offered in partnership with employers who are members of our Consortium of Employers.
Members of the consortium are invited to several events per year, not only to help identify and recruit students for internships and employment but also to determine how we can improve the program. Benefits of membership include assistance with posting positions, scheduling interviews—including space on campus for interviews if desired—and an assigned point-of-contact on campus to assist with any issues.
Employers interested in joining the consortium simply need to fill out our interest form. Check back soon for the link!
There is no cost to join the Consortium of Employers. Members will be expected to offer internships to Penn State Altoona students. However, the students are required to interview for those internships, and the employers will choose whether or not to offer those positions to students on a case-by-case basis.