Campus News

Juniata Graduates Put Their Education to Work in Huntingdon County

(Posted October 13, 2026)

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HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Juniata College welcomes two recent graduates serving the Huntingdon County community through AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), with projects focused on expanding access to oral healthcare and supporting local students as they explore and plan for their futures. 

Hailey Hendricks ’24, g ’25, is serving as a Dental Access Coordinator through a partnership between Juniata College’s Center for Community Engagement and Broad Top Area Medical Center. Luke Bittner ’26 is serving as a Workforce Development Coordinator at Huntingdon Area High School. 

Hendricks graduated from Juniata in 2024 with degrees in biology and ceramic arts and earned her MBA in Healthcare Administration in 2025. Before beginning her VISTA service, she worked as a dental assistant in Huntingdon for three years, gaining clinical experience and developing an interest in improving access to oral healthcare. 

Through her VISTA role, Hendricks is working to expand access to dental care throughout rural Huntingdon County. Her work includes dental outreach and education, connecting community members with available resources, building partnerships with local dental providers and organizations, and developing initiatives to address barriers to oral healthcare. 

“I’m excited to combine my clinical experience, education, and passion for community health through my VISTA service,” Hendricks said. “I’m grateful to continue my work with the Juniata community while partnering with Broad Top Area Medical Center to make a difference in dental health across the region.” 

Her experience as a dental assistant has given her firsthand insight into the challenges that can prevent people from receiving needed care, while her education in healthcare administration has provided additional preparation for the community-focused work of her VISTA position. 

Hendricks plans to pursue dental school following her year of service. 

Bittner, a member of the Juniata College Class of 2026 who completed a Program of Emphasis in psychology, is serving at Huntingdon Area High School as a Workforce Development Coordinator. His work gives him the opportunity to work directly with students, counselors, educators, and local employers while helping to explore place-based education to career pathways and opportunities for local youth. 

“I wanted to gain experience working in a school setting while making a meaningful contribution to this community,” Bittner said. “VISTA gives me the opportunity to help students explore their futures and connect with opportunities they might not otherwise have access to.” 

In his role, Bittner is developing a deeper understanding of the barriers students face and the resources and support that can help them succeed. The experience also connects directly to his plans to pursue a career as a school psychologist. 

“My VISTA role allows me to work alongside students, counselors, and educators while developing a better understanding of the barriers students face and the support they need to succeed,” Bittner said. “This experience connects directly to my goal of becoming a school psychologist and supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being.” 

Following his VISTA service, Bittner plans to attend graduate school in school psychology. 

AmeriCorps VISTA members serve with community organizations and institutions to address local needs while gaining professional experience through a year of public service. Juniata’s VISTA partnerships provide recent graduates with opportunities to apply their education and skills to challenges facing the Huntingdon County community. 

Through their respective roles, Hendricks and Bittner are continuing Juniata’s tradition of connecting students and graduates with meaningful opportunities to engage with and contribute to the communities around them. 

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.