For the second year, Pennsylvania College of Technology physical therapist assistant students completed a successful service-learning project that gave them an opportunity to connect with local elementary schools.

The PTA class of 2026 took this year’s initiative, “Wildcat Kids in Motion: On the Go!,” to the special education programs at Avis Elementary School; Central Elementary School, South Williamsport; and Jersey Shore Area Elementary School, where they presented fun, interactive activities. More than 50 students of all ability levels engaged in exercises that promoted movement and targeted specific gross and fine motor skills. Each activity was adapted to the unique needs of the child, leading to smiles, laughter and fun for all.

Ashton R. Breed, of Mifflinburg, makes his way through an obstacle course with a smiling student at Jersey Shore Elementary School. The activity was designed to challenge children to run, jump, balance and crawl, testing cognition with numbered mats and a sequence of obstacles. (Photo by Victoria Hurwitz, director of physical therapy assistant)

Service learning is a pillar of the PTA program’s curriculum, and several course objectives relate to the project.

“Coordination and completion of this project align with the program’s mission to prepare graduates to be compassionate, caring PTAs who are advocates for the PT profession and committed to social responsibility,” said Victoria Hurwitz, director of the physical therapist assistant program.

Students later shared their experiences with faculty, staff and the first-year PTA class, as well as potential employers. They said the program was a success and its impact significant.

“Providing these fun services not only taught us how to be creative, but also to be patient, adaptable and personable,” the group said. “Those soft skills will enhance the way each of us will treat any future patients we have, making the experience of physical therapy enjoyable.”

Heather Carlin, of the BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 Multi-Disabilities Support class at Avis Elementary School, said she thought everything went well for her students.

“We loved having ‘Wildcat Kids in Motion’ in our classroom,” she said. “The students enjoyed the engaging activities. We also loved that the Penn College students were flexible in the activities to meet the students’ needs.”

The physical therapist assistant program’s 2026 graduates are Liberty N. Homan, of Centre Hall; Melissa L. Biichle, of Williamsport; Ashton R. Breed, of Mifflinburg; Jessica D. Beasom, of South Williamsport; and Savanna R. Duvall, of Petersburg.

To learn more about the physical therapist assistant program, call 570-327-4519.

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.