June 25, 2019

Combining industry-driven courses and professional experience, Drexel University’s minor in nonprofit communication provides training in communication strategy geared specifically to the nonprofit sector.

“Philadelphia is home to more than 8,000 nonprofit organizations, all of which have specialized communications needs,” says Lawrence Souder, PhD, teaching professor of communication, who created the minor. “The nonprofit minor prepares Drexel grads to address those needs.”

Three members of Drexel’s class of 2019 were the first to graduate with the new minor. Allison Durham, Kahlil Wyche and Kate Roche completed core courses like Communication for Civic Engagement and Grant Writing, choosing from electives like Audio Journalism, Event Planning, Public Relations Writing and Dynamics of Interpersonal Communication.

The students also completed a practicum, serving as communication consultants at a nonprofit organization for 10 weeks. Their work was coordinated by Drexel Edits, the University’s pro-bono editing service supporting area nonprofits.

Durham, a communication major, worked for Drexel's independent radio station, WKDU-FM (91.7). As a communications consultant, she developed and executed new fundraising plans and created ways for the station to improve its community outreach and visibility.

Wyche, a marketing major, worked for Chef Kares, a Camden-based nonprofit organization that helps at-risk youth and adults further their interests in food preparation and ministry. His work included setting up and running meetings with local probation officers, schools, youth detention centers and churches to inform them of opportunities to partner with his organization.

Roche, a communication major, worked for the Pride Center of Staten Island, which supports the LGBTQ+ community with much needed services and activities. Her work centered on drafting an audit of the organization’s social media and web strategies with special recommendations for ADA compliance and use of inclusive language.

The three graduates plan to continue their work in the nonprofit sector in roles ranging from public radio broadcasting to nonprofit management. What could you do with a minor in nonprofit communication? Learn more about the minor in the course catalog, or schedule an appointment with your academic advisor.