The Center for the Study of Career Development and Public Policy at Penn State
The Center for the Study of Career Development and Public Policy at Penn State
Center Objectives
The primary objectives of the center at Penn State include serving as a clearinghouse for legislation information, policy statements, and related documents; engaging in research related to the analysis of career development public policies; and partnering with other entities engaged in the study of career development and public policy. Regarding the first objective, the Center will serve as a resource for other researchers engaged in public policy research pertaining to career development (e.g., the Workforce Investment Act, the Carl D. Perkins Act, the Social Security Act). Regarding research initiatives, an initial study involves assessing the legislation pertaining to career development and public policy in each of the states. We will use this information to benchmark career development public policy initiatives with other nations (currently, the OECD has conducted reviews of 26 countries regarding each nation’s career development and public policy). Our research will also focus on conducting a cost-benefits analysis of providing career development services. Providing data linking the availability of career and workforce development services to positive outcomes (e.g., reducing time spent in unemployment, post-secondary and secondary academic degree completion) will foster stronger support for such services and bolster legislative efforts to sustain workforce development initiatives.
In addition, the Penn State Center for the Study of Career Development and Public Policy will partner with entities such as the National Institute of Corrections, the National Career Development Association, and the Center for the Study on Education and Work at the University of Wisconsin and the International Centre for Career Development and Public Policy. Finally, faculty affiliated with the Center will also provide their expertise to researchers at Penn State and other universities.
The Center is co-directed by Spencer Niles and Edwin Herr.
Contact:
Spencer G. Niles, D.Ed., Distinguished Professor, Department Head
Department of Educational Psychology, Counseling, & Special Education
125 CEDAR Building
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 863-2412
sgn3@psu.edu
