Ahead of the Curve: Bringing a World of In-Person Opportunities to Online Students

Penn State World Campus is expanding hands-on opportunities for online students through in-person service, aiming to bridge the gap between Zoom communities and real-world engagement. The university’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Days of Service bring students, faculty and staff together each January to volunteer with local nonprofits in places including State College, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and San Diego. This spring, World Campus is piloting a service-learning experience in the Pittsburgh area focused on food insecurity and poverty, with online elements so remote participants can join as well. The program also allows online students to take part with nearby campuses. Coordinating across locations is challenging, but organizers say planning conversations with partners can help match minimum volunteer needs.