Rachel Hager, a rising senior field hockey player at Muhlenberg College, is making the most of her summer in 2026 by participating in the Research Scholar Program at Lehigh Valley Health Network. Focused on youth well-being, she is developing a needs assessment survey for adolescents in Allentown's Franklin Park neighborhood, collaborating with local youth through focus groups to ensure their voices are represented. This experience merges her interests in psychology, research, and community engagement and holds personal significance as it impacts the local area she calls home.

By the Numbers
  • The survey explores adolescents' opportunities and needs in their community.
  • Hager has facilitated focus groups with local youth to gather insights on the survey.
State of Play
  • Hager's internship includes practical applications beyond research, such as community service activities at the YMCA.
  • She has engaged in hands-on learning experiences that bridge research with clinical practice, enhancing her understanding of healthcare collaboration.
What's Next

As Hager continues her internship, she anticipates further developing her research skills and deepening her commitment to community health, while preparing for her future career as a clinical psychologist.

Bottom Line

This summer experience has not only solidified Hager's passion for psychology but also underscored the importance of community engagement in effecting real change, reinforcing her dedication to improving youth well-being.