Each student is supervised, on-site, and the field supervisors communicate student progress directly to the CPSP Office. An important feature for the career minded student is the opportunity to find a placement, negotiate duties, and attend work regularly. Many CPSP students obtain their first work experience through their RSSW 290 and RSSW 390 placements. Some CPSP students have been invited to work at their agencies after graduation, or to participate as a part-time paid staff member while they finish their education. In a university environment that is increasingly aware of students' needs to develop work skills, CPSP is the bridge between practical skills and actual workplace experience.
Students learn about organizational behavior and attain problem-solving skills.
They realize the value of their participation to the efforts of the agency where they are volunteers. Community Giving Community participation is another part of the CPSP experience. Whether students are helping the homeless or working with computer databases in one of the NYS offices, students are providing valuable service to the Capital Region Community. Volunteer students provide valuable help in an age of diminished funding in both the public and non-profit sector. Organizations from the NYS Museum to the Homeless Action Committee are short staffed and underfunded.