Penn State supports military transition through DOD SkillBridge Program

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State University has announced its university-wide partnership with the SkillBridge program, an initiative of the United States Department of Defense (DOD) which helps active military members serving in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force transition to the civilian sector in the final 180 days of active duty.

As a DOD SkillBridge partner, Penn State will provide service members the opportunity to develop job skills through an internship learning experience that provides opportunities to build their resumes and gain valuable work experience that will help them transition to the civilian workplace. The internship occurs in the last 180 days of their military service and through DOD, members will continue to receive military compensation and benefits during their internship.

All interested Penn State departments and units across all campuses will have the opportunity to participate. Internships could be in any area that contributes to the various business workings of the University, including operations, administration, teaching, research, student services and facilities operations. Internship opportunities that have been added include a Mental Health Clinician Internship in CAPS (counseling and psychological services) and Armed Services Public Safety Internship in UPPS. Please submit an inquiry using this interest form.

This program builds on a successful partnership by the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State, a University Affiliated Research Center, with DOD SkillBridge since December 2022. The first intern started at ARL in January 2023 and since then, 15 interns have gone through the SkillBridge program at ARL and several more are either doing an internship or getting ready to start an internship.

Jennifer Wilkes, Penn State vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer said, "as part of our commitment to supporting the career transitions of service members, this partnership with the SkillBridge program elevates Penn State’s mission of fostering professional growth and development. We are proud to support those who have served our country by offering opportunities across our campuses that benefit both our university and the talented individuals transitioning from military service."

Penn State Human Resources worked with a university-wide SkillBridge committee to build on ARL’s success and knowledge with the process. HR recruiters, HRSPs and HRCs along with HR Talent management will work with interested hiring managers across the university to implement the university-wide SkillBridge program. The Vet-aLIONce Employee Resource Group is also expected to help with facilitating the transition of the SkillBridge intern to their internship.

"Supporting our nation's Armed Forces is deeply embedded in who we are. Our commitment to national security has been a cornerstone of our history and will continue to shape our future as we push the boundaries of research and development,” said Eugene McFeely, senior director of veterans affairs and services. “I'm incredibly proud to extend this opportunity to help our courageous service members as they transition to civilian life."

Penn State University is leading the way in veteran and service member support as the first institution in the Big Ten Conference to implement a university-wide SkillBridge program. This pioneering initiative sets Penn State apart, reflecting its strong commitment to providing career development and support for transitioning military members.

Eligible service members are encouraged to visit this link to learn more about the Penn State DOD SkillBridge program and submit an intake form.