Spring break connects Penn State students with service and leadership opportunities

MONT ALTO, Pa. - From protecting endangered manatees and restoring a historic site to exploring leadership and teamwork through Disney-led workshops, Penn State students gained hands-on experience in service, collaboration and experiential learning during an alternative spring break trip to Walt Disney World.

Students from Penn State Mont Alto participated in the Disney Imagination Campus program and volunteered in local communities throughout central Florida, joined by peers from Penn State Fayette and Penn State Shenango.

The experience combined community service, leadership development, and immersive learning opportunities designed to help students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

Students engage in environmental stewardship

Students volunteered in two communities during the trip. The first was Florida Springs Fest in Ocala, Florida, where community members promote and protect Florida's natural springs. Students worked with the Save the Manatee Club to educate visitors about protecting endangered manatees and preserving their habitat.

Delaney Bard, a fourth-year psychology student, said the experience changed her perspective.

"A big impact I hope this has is that people learn not to disturb the manatees," Bard said. "It made me realize these are endangered animals that need to be protected."

Students also volunteered at Blue Spring State Park, assisting with restoration efforts at the historic Thursby House. While there, they learned about the park's ecosystem, the history of the Thursby family and the natural spring that supports the area's manatee population.

The service experiences provided students with opportunities to engage directly with environmental stewardship efforts while gaining a deeper understanding of community-based conservation work.

Learning "the Disney way"

Students participated in Disney-led workshops focused on leadership, teamwork, and storytelling. Through interactive exercises and problem-solving scenarios, participants explored how effective communication and collaboration contribute to successful organizations and guest experiences.

Yara Amleh, a fourth-year nursing student, said one lesson stood out.

"The most impactful lesson I took away was learning to shift from a task-focused mindset to a goal-oriented one," Amleh said. "It helped me see how individual efforts connect to a larger purpose."

The workshops encouraged students to think beyond individual responsibilities and consider how their contributions support broader organizational goals, a lesson that can be applied across academic, professional, and community settings.