Information for Neighborhood Residents

Drexel University is committed to working in partnership with Philadelphia, especially the communities of West Philadelphia, to address local challenges and to build a shared future together. Towards this goal, the Office of University and Community Partnerships offers a range of resources and programs for local neighborhood residents.
 

The Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships

The Dornsife Center is where Drexel students, faculty, and professional staff share knowledge with neighborhood residents and partner organizations. Our academic departments, administrative offices, and student organizations bring their energy and expertise to meet needs and interests identified by local community members. Programs include health and wellness, legal services, writing workshops, performing arts classes, sound and music production, digital literacy and jobs access programming, supports for small business, and much more.

• Everybody is welcome to the Dornsife Center's monthly community dinner, a family-friendly event where members of Drexel and West Philadelphia communities share a meal and get to know one another. Join us on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Check the Dornsife Center's website to learn more about programs and opportunities.

Lindy Scholars

The Lindy Scholars program connects Drexel student organizations with local middle school students for after-school STEM/STEAM enrichment and mentoring activities, with the goal of enhancing their education and helping them realize their full potential. Guided by Lindy Center staff, student organizations develop activities based on their interests, focusing on topics that also appeal to younger students. Recent programs include robotics, solar car racing, health careers, architecture & design, and a track running club.

• Through Lindy Scholars, Drexel student organizations partner with the following schools in West Philadelphia: Alain Locke, Belmont Charter, Morton McMichael, and Science Leadership Academy Middle School.

The ExCITe Center

The ExCITe Center is Drexel’s transdisciplinary hub for research and creative collaboration between Drexel faculty and local neighborhood partners to advance civic engagement through innovative technology, education, and cultural pursuits.

• The Center hosts the Drexel Digital Navigators, our University’s nationally-recognized program for digital equity and inclusion in Philadelphia. The program has helped hundreds of Philadelphians obtain free computers and low-cost broadband access at home.

Liberty Scholars

Each year Drexel awards a number of scholarships to Philadelphia high school graduates, covering full tuition and fees. The Liberty Scholars program fosters student success through mentorship from a dedicated faculty or staff mentor, a learning community in which all scholars live during their first year, extracurricular and developmental programming, and active engagement with campus life.