Workforce education and development program workshop helps displaced federal workers

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State College of Education's workforce education and development program played a significant role in a recent workshop aimed at assisting displaced federal workers and contractors. 

Hyung Joon Yoon, associate professor and professor-in-charge of workforce education and development, developed the LifeCraft program used in the workshop. This program, drawing from years of research on hope and human agency, helps individuals clarify strengths, reconnect with values, and plan for the future. 

"Career disruption can make people feel adrift and confused about future directions,” Yoon said. “LifeCraft was built to meet people where they are — to help them see they still have the power to build a meaningful future, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.”

The workshop's success was also powered by volunteers from Penn State. These included Ph.D. student volunteers from the workforce education and development program, such as Fatmah Rayes, Tehniyet Azam, Renata Scott and Hosung You. Penn State alumni Grace Jung, a media specialist, and Nadia Waterton, a graphic designer, also volunteered. The event was organized by Life of Service, a nonprofit led by R. Brian Ketchem, a Penn State workforce education alumnus.

Participants in the workshop reported significant improvements in career transition confidence, describing strengths such as confidence, core values clarity and future career hopefulness. They also found exploring the use of artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT for job searching and self-reflection to be a key takeaway. 

Reflections from attendees highlighted clarified mission statements, recognized strengths and values, enhanced self-awareness and the value of peer support.

"When people lose their jobs, they don’t just lose income — they often lose part of their identity,” Ketchem said. "Through Life of Service, we brought together volunteers, resources, and the LifeCraft framework to remind participants that their future still holds great possibility. LifeCraft is about helping people see beyond disruption — and we’re just getting started.”

The LifeCraft Workshop Series is part of Life of Service’s broader mission to strengthen communities through hope, empowerment and connection. Additional workshops are planned to support individuals and communities facing uncertainty.

For more information about Life of Service and upcoming LifeCraft workshops, visit lifeofservice.org.