PAWS: Program Overview
Our Mission
Penn State Altoona’s P.A.W.S program (Perseverance, Ambition and the Will for Success) seeks to help residents of public housing developments in Blair County successfully pursue post-secondary education. The P.A.W.S staff and volunteers help participants build self-esteem, acquire greater commitment to academic success and expand their career goals. P.A.W.S will seek partnerships with community members and expand resources for their residents.
Perseverance, Ambition, and the Will for Success (PAWS) is a free program that was created as an outgrowth of the HUDCOPC grant (HUDCOPC-PA-04-630). PAWS helps residents of government-housing complexes in Blair County apply to any accredited post-secondary institute and obtain financial aid to fund their education. Through volunteers from Penn State Altoona we personally assist each interested individual through this confusing and intimidating task. We offer individual help through the process of researching schools, applying online, financial aid, and adjusting into the college environment. The volunteer's biggest responsibility is to be an emotional support for the resident and help them realize that a college education is a real option for their future. We will assist these individuals apply to ANY accredited educational program - not just Penn State.
With the help of volunteers from Penn State Altoona, Penn State Faculty and Staff, Altoona Area School District Guidance Office, other area social services and local professionals partnering together helped meet resident's needs and make this program successful. This is a great opportunity to improve the future of the community as well as all individuals involved!
Every semester we have more residents enrolling in post-secondary institutions, receiving high grades and being productive members of their campus.
The PAWS Program has student volunteers helping public housing residents continue their education, and 13 individuals of public housing were assisted in enrolling in college.
PAWS Workers
"Pay it forward..." Christina and Amanda, past participants, Current PAWS staff.
My name is Christina I. Frantz. I am an Adult Student at Penn State Altoona, majoring in HDFS and Nursing. I am a project associate for the P.A.W.S. (Perseverance, Ambition, Will for Success) Program, in which we assist individuals in low-income housing areas pursue a post-secondary education. I was a past participant of P.A.W.S. and I am big on “Pay it Forward.” Thanks to the creator of P.A.W.S. I can better my life and assist others in bettering theirs.
My name is Amanda Neff. I am an adult student at Penn State Altoona, majoring in HDFS. I have been given the opportunity to hold a Project Associate position for the P.A.W.S (Perseverance, Ambition and the Will for Success) Program. I am a past participant of the P.A.W.S program, and am grateful to give back to others who are in the same situation that I was in two years ago.
