About HealthWorks
HealthWorks is a peer education/outreach program in University Health Services. The group aims to promote health among Penn State students. The mission of HealthWorks is to:
- Increase awareness and knowledge of health issues, such as sexual health, nutrition and fitness, wellness, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and body image and eating disorders,
- Promote healthy lifestyle choices,
- Provide health education programs, information, and materials to students, and
- Advocate for a healthy Penn State community.
Benefits of Joining HealthWorks
There are many benefits, including:
- Learn up-to-date information about current health issues
- Advocate to improve health-related programs and services, including those related to fitness and food services
- Make a difference in the health of Penn State students
- Become a valuable health resource for your friends and peers
- Develop your communication and leadership skills
- Supplement your classroom experience
- Build friendships
- Build your resume
- Get academic credit
Training You'll Receive
Training consists of a mandatory 3-credit class (BB H 324) that addresses health behavior theory, health promotion strategies, and health issues relevant to the college population. Health topics include alcohol and other drugs, nutrition, physical activity, sleep and stress. Additional on-going training will take place during the Spring 2013 semester.
The training class will be offered through the Biobehavioral Health (BB H) department in Fall 2012.
Academic Credit
After completing the training class, members will earn 1 credit per semester through the BB H department (BB H 497).
Time Commitment
Upon completion of the training class HealthWorks members are expected to commit at least one year (2 semesters) to the program.
The one-year commitment involves completing 45 hours per semester. To fulfill this requirement, all members are expected to attend a 1 hour weekly meeting and participate in about 3 hours of service activities per week. Some examples of service activities are:
- Planning and implementing health promotion initiatives (e.g., Safer Sex Parties and Healthy Eating with HealthWorks cooking videos);
- Staffing information tables and outreach events (e.g., Safer Spring Break, Green Health Week, and Access to Protection safer sex outreach); and
- Providing HIV pre- and post-test counseling.
Leadership Opportunities
There are several leadership opportunities that will help you develop additional skills after you have completed the semester of training. Examples include:
- Becoming a team leader to help manage health promotion initiatives,
- Coordinating health programming, and
- Collaborating with other groups on health promotion efforts.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2012-2013 school year are now closed.
Applicants will be notified of whether or not they are selected for an interview by March 20, 2012.
Interviewees will be notified of whether or not they are accepted into the HealthWorks training class by April 4, 2012. If you are accepted into the HealthWorks training class, you must accept or decline your offer by April 11, 2012.
If you have questions, stop by our office in 201 Student Health Center or call 814.863.0461. You may also contact us by e-mail.