Penn State students now have a new way of earning some cash while also helping save lives.

State College plasma donation centers CSL Plasma and BioLife Plasma Services are offering compensation to Penn State students who have had COVID-19 and are willing to donate their plasma.

Antibodies that could be used to fight COVID-19 are located in the plasma of those who’ve already had the virus. Once donated, plasma can be used for immunotherapy that gives people, specifically high-risk patients, a better chance of fighting off the virus.

A recent Penn State-led study discovered that those who want to donate their convalescent plasma after contracting the COVID-19 virus have about 60 days from the start of their symptoms to donate. This research study also found that the prime donors are those who are older than 30 and had severe symptoms.

Although the vast majority of Penn State students are not over 30, many still contracted COVID-19 and endured symptoms. Although that experience might have been difficult, this is at least one positive outcome to it all.

Both CSL Plasma and BioLife Plasma Services compensate donors on a per donation basis. Donors will receive a pre-paid debit card in which their compensation is loaded immediately onto after their plasma donation.

Students can earn up to $700 a month at either organization as well. Donors can only donate plasma two times a week, meaning students could potentially earn up to $87.50 per visit.

Donors at CSL Plasma will also earn points after every donation for the organization’s loyalty program, iGive Rewards. The points can be redeemed for fast cash or Deal of the Day merchandise.

CSL Plasma is located at 265 Northland Center toward Penn State’s Arboretum, just off of North Atherton Street. BioLife Plasma Services’ sits at 321 W. Beaver Ave.