Episode 18 — Director Of The Ruth Matthews Bourger Women With Children Program, Katherine Pohlidal

Another great story to share on this episode of The People of Penn State, as Katherine Pohlidal joined us to discuss her work as the Director of the nationally recognized Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program at Misericordia University.The Women with Children Program (WWC) is one of only eight such programs in the United States. Its goal is to empower economically disadvantaged single mothers by providing the opportunity to complete a college degree, creating brighter futures for themselves and for their children. Through the program the roadblocks to higher education are removed and the completion of a college degree becomes a reality.BOURGER WWC STUDENT FAMILIES RECEIVE:Free on-campus housing in safe, secure homes for up to 4 yearsFree books and academic supplies for both mother and childrenPriority placement for child care and federal work study jobsSupport with all subsidies including; SNAP, ELRC, WICFamily enrichment programming, children’s libraries, playgrounds and gardenWWC Scholarships awarded annually for tuition assistance Learn more about the Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program by clicking here. Katherine also talked about her family's strong ties to Penn State, which include many alumni:Edwina Pohlidal (mother), Rich Pohlidal (brother - former men’s rugby player), John Pohlidal-(brother), Elizabeth Pohlidal (sister - former national champion with the women's rugby team) Regan Palfey Pohlidal (sister in law -Blue Band alum), and Kristi Pohlidal (sister in law). Timestamps: 0:00 — Alma Mater Verse #10:18 — Intro2:10 — The Pohlidal family's strong Penn State roots 4:35 — Katherine's experiences as a student6:32 — Meeting Joe Paterno story 9:25 — Ad Read #1 10:30 — The Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program24:50  — The power of higher education to make an impact 30:35  — Future of the Women with Children Program34:20  — Further information on supporting the program 35:00  —  Ad Read #2 36:40  — Katherine's heartfelt James Franklin story39:30  — Lighting Round Q&A43:20  — Outro 44:10  —  Alma Mater Verse #2Learn more about the Penn State Alumni Association: alumni.psu.edu. Follow the Penn State Alumni Association on:FacebookTwitterInstagramLinkedIn For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com