Co-op and Experience: Student Stories

Ambitious leaders, thinkers and change-makers

Founded in 1919, Drexel's Cooperative Education program (co-op) was one of the first of its kind, and it continues to be among the largest and most renowned programs in the nation. At Drexel, co-op is who we are and what we do. The dedicated staff of the Steinbright Career Development Center is here to assist students throughout the co-op process and to help them to leverage 'the Drexel Difference.' At the College of Arts and Sciences, our students don’t just study the issues affecting the world — they study alongside the people affected. Each term, the College encourages students to become effective change agents by participating with non-profits, government and citizen activists through community-based learning courses.

Co-op and Experience

Steve Vásquez Dolph, PhD (right) recently joined Dean David Brown, PhD for the second installment of his Discussions with the Dean series.

Discussions with the Dean: Meet Associate Dean of DEI & Global Studies Professor Steve Vásquez Dolph

Associate Teaching Professor of Spanish and Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steve Vásquez Dolph, PhD, recently sat down with Dean David Brown, PhD to discuss the importance of community-based learning, language education, diversity in higher education and more.

Students in Food and Land Security community-based learning course

Community-Based Learning Course Gets Up Close With Philadelphia’s Food Crisis

Food and Land Security in Philadelphia, an intensive community-based learning course offered each year in the College of Arts and Sciences, explores an urgent issue affecting our community alongside the people who are impacted.

Finding Latin American Inspirations in the Library and Archives

As the oldest natural history museum in North America, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University has a long and varied history. And even with the many well-known figures, works and stories found in its phenomenal Library and Archives, there are more that need to be researched, uncovered and revealed to help shape a brighter, more equitable future.

Discovering Drexel's History: Meet University Archives Assistant Sophia Stutte

Before coming to Drexel, history major Sophia Stutte resided in the Washington, D.C. area, where their fondness for archives and libraries blossomed through countless visits to the renowned Smithsonian museums. A co-op with the Drexel University Archives has allowed them to further explore this passion.

English Language Center Continues to Serve New Generations of Cultural Ambassadors Through Fulbright Programming

The English Language Center (ELC) was recently awarded a five-year renewal of its Fulbright Pre-Academic program grant. This has been the ELC’s signature summer special program since 2009.

Science and Religion Up Close: Lia DiMitri Reflects on Study Abroad Trip

Students in “Science and Religion: From the Big Bang to Neuroscience” spent the winter term exploring the development of science and religion through known human history. The course, taught by Professor of Chemistry Fraser Fleming, PhD, culminated in a nine-day trip to Switzerland, Germany and Italy over spring break.

Students discussing African small businesses in West Philly

'West Africa to West Philly' Course Connects Language With Community

A French course has brought together students and West Philadelphia's native French-speaking West African community, both in and out of the classroom. Students came from different majors and countries to speak and write in French with native speakers and consume Francophone West African works of literature and film in this community-based class.

Alexandra J. King Pile smiles during a video. An American flag sits behind her.

Catching up with Alexandra J. King Pile, BA International Studies ’07

We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Alexandra J. King Pile, BA international studies '07, who is currently working as a diplomat for the United States Department of State. Read on to learn about the challenges and opportunities of her role, and how her time at Drexel prepared her for this path.

Ryan Shaw teaches music to a group of students

Co-op Sets Communication Major on Path to Becoming a Music Therapist

A co-op with the nonprofit Keep Music Alive not only allowed Ryan Shaw to explore his lifelong passion for music, but inspired him to pursue a career in music therapy after he graduates from the MS-SDC program.

Writers Room co-op student Jeremy D'Amico

Finding Your Place in the Community with Writers Room

When Jeremy D’Amico, political science ’24, decided to come to Drexel, he didn’t think much about what living in a city like Philadelphia would involve. He quickly became absorbed in his studies and paid little attention to the community surrounding campus—until he started a co-op with Writers Room.

A Day in the Life at the Academy of Natural Sciences' Ornithology Department

A co-op in the Academy of Natural Sciences' ornithology department has allowed environmental science major Abigail Del Grosso to explore her interest in birds. She shares her more about her experience in this Q&A.

Finding Empowerment as a First-Generation Student

Guest blogger Kaylee Wilson, a third-year sociology and global public health double major, shares her experience as a first-generation college student at Drexel.

Confronting the Effects of Coastal Climate Change

Throughout their co-op this spring and summer, environmental science major Kris Freyland worked with Beth Watson, PhD, associate professor of biodiversity, earth and environmental science and senior scientist at the Academy of Natural Sciences’ Patrick Center for Environmental Research, to study the impact of saltwater intrusion into coastal forests.

Exploring the 'Wild' Politics of Free-Roaming Horse Management

Things are getting wild in the West. Free-roaming horse populations have existed in western states for centuries, but the conflict surrounding them is entirely human. This conflict sparked the interest of Jen Britton, director for communications and special projects in the Office of University & Community Partnerships, and Christian Hunold, PhD, professor of politics.

a screenshot of a zoom session where participants are going over a sample lesson plan

Drexel English Language Center Helps to Prepare the Next Generation of Fulbrighters

This past summer, the ELC expanded its IIE Fulbright offerings to include an English Teaching Assistants (ETA) program. The program, funded by a State Department grant, was geared toward preparing Fulbright scholars for their upcoming teaching roles across the globe.