Cheyney University News February 26, 2016 Cheyney Students Spend Semester in Harrisburg, PA Internship Program Andria Mebane and Raven Davis, both Cheyney University Psychology majors, are away from campus this semester. The 23-year-olds are participating in The Harrisburg Internship Semester (THIS)<http://www.passhe.edu/inside/asa/Opportunities/this/Pages/about.aspx>, a 15-week program in which selected students<http://www.passhe.edu/inside/asa/Opportunities/this/Pages/default.aspx> from each of the 14 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) universities get to work in state government while earning a full semester's worth of credits. More than 500 students have participated in THIS since 1989, each gaining valuable insight into the workings of Pennsylvania government at the policy-making level. Interns must attend academic seminars and complete an individualized research project. "It's going well," Davis insists, of her job with the Department of Human Services Office of Social Programs. "I like it. I'm getting a lot of exposure and meeting new people. I'm working on housing-related issues right now, trying to eliminate or decrease the number of homeless people and those who need housing. This isn't an area I thought I'd be interested in but it's very interesting." Mebane, Davis' roommate since last fall, is interning with the Department of Labor and Industry as a Policy Intern, working closely with the Director of Policy & Workforce Development. She is currently juggling three projects-she's helping update regulations based on federal and state law, working on an economics project, and assisting with a pilot high school internship program for 40 students. Like so many other THIS interns, Mebane and Davis are learning the dynamics of state government in new and powerful ways through direct involvement. "I became an instant fan and advocate," admits Sociology Professor Dr. Lynn Green, Cheyney's THIS Coordinator since Fall 2012. "Cheyney has sponsored five students in THIS during my tenure, and the internship has been a life-changing experience for each of them. I believe the Harrisburg semester is one of the greatest opportunities available to students in PASSHE institutions. Whether one wants to pursue a career in politics, policy, social justice or public service -- or even if you just care about these issues as an educated citizen -- participants will benefit from the incredible course content, guest speakers, faculty support, professional networking, and hands-on internship duties in the Pennsylvania state political system." Sophomore Stephanie Bermudez-Cruz, a Cheyney University Psychology major, took part in THIS last semester by working with the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Like Mebane and Davis, Cruz is a Keystone Honors Academy Scholar, however, all Cheyney students can apply as long as they meet the requirements<http://www.passhe.edu/inside/asa/Opportunities/this/Pages/about.aspx>. "I think it's a great opportunity and, if given the opportunity, you should take it," Davis laments. "It can give you good insight into what career you choose because you can figure out if you can see yourself doing this." Once she graduates in December, Davis wants to obtain a Doctorate of Education degree in Educational Leadership so that she can one day work in the Human Services field, specifically focused on Early Childhood Education and Head Start. Mebane, who will receive her diploma May 7, wants to pursue a Master's degree in Public Administration. However, until April 29 when they complete their internships, the Philadelphians are sharing an apartment in Harrisburg, a city they now call home. "Harrisburg is a very interesting place. It's not what I'm used to," Mebane shares. "It's very small. What I love about it, though, is that there are so many small businesses and different kinds of businesses. I'm always finding different places that are little gems." Cheyney students who'd like to know more about THIS should contact Dr. Green at lynngreen@cheyney.edu<javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(108,121,110,110,103,114,101,101,110,64,99,104,101,121,110,101,121,46,101,100,117)+'?')> or 610-399-2395 For information about Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, click the links below. Admissions <http://www.cheyney.edu/admissions/> Degree Programs<http://www.cheyney.edu/academics/degree-programs.cfm> Scholarships<http://www.cheyney.edu/donor-relations/Scholarships.cfm> Keystone Honors Academy<http://www.cheyney.edu/keystone/index.cfm> SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-592-4820 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.