West Philadelphia community members will have access to a greater array of technology resources, from computer repair to telehealth privacy booths, at Drexel University’s Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. The funding is part of an initiative created as part of the American Rescue Plan Act to support construction and upgrades of multi-purpose community facilities. Drexel’s is one of 49 projects statewide to receive support from the program.
At Drexel, the funding will expand the scope of renovations to the 37,000 square-foot former West Philadelphia Community Center — now part of the Dornsife Center — to include upgrades and a new location for Drexel’s community computer lab — the Beachell Family Learning Center, as well as creating dedicated spaces for telehealth visits.
The renovations will extend the reach of Drexel’s Digital Navigators program, an initiative started in 2020 to address the digital divide, provide free computers, tech support and low-cost internet access to community members.
“This grant will have an enormous impact on our efforts,” said Youngmoo Kim, PhD, Drexel’s vice provost for University & Community Partnerships. “It builds upon the pioneering efforts of Drexel’s Digital Navigators, one of the first such programs in the nation, who help support community members with internet access, free devices, and technical support.”
Since 2020, the Drexel Digital Navigator team of students and staff has responded to nearly 1,000 support requests for low-cost internet access and distributed more than 800 free computers to qualifying individuals and community organizations. The renovations will provide more space for repairs and technical support, services frequently requested by community members.
“Unfortunately, the digital divide isn’t shrinking, it’s growing,” Kim said. “So, we need more spaces like this for our community members who don’t have ready access to computers and tech support. But even more important than the space — or the tech — itself, are the knowledge and the skills training enabled by these spaces.”
Drexel purchased the West Philadelphia Community Center, a historic Boys and Girls Club, in 2018 to preserve as a resource for the community. The center is now part of the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, Drexel’s urban extension center in Mantua that brings the University’s expertise and resources into partnerships with local neighbors.
As part of its planning for the development of the facility, Drexel convened an active community engagement and planning process to understand what the residents of the adjoining Mantua and Powelton Village neighborhoods wanted in a new center. Addressing priorities identified through this community planning process, the center is envisioned as a safe haven for health, recreation, learning, and enrichment.
“The expanded community computer lab furthers our vision for digital equity, advancing Drexel’s existing adult education and workforce programs,” Kim said. “We need to create more —and more accessible — pathways for people to develop the technical skills that lead to employment in today’s tech economy. Spaces like this provide a foundation for those efforts, connecting initiatives across Drexel and regional partners.”
Drexel has already undertaken renovations on the first floor of the building, which are slated for completion in 2025. The second-floor renovations, including the computer lab and a new lift to enable greater access to the building, will be completed by the end of 2026.
The renovations were made possible by the generous support of David and Dana Dornsife, who are also the benefactors of the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, Dornsife School of Public Health and Dornsife Office for Experiential Learning in Drexel’s LeBow College of Business.
Drexel’s grant is part of a $45 million program from the PA Broadband Development Authority to support community anchor institutions and units of local government in building, acquiring or improving facilities that will be open to the public and directly enable work, education and health monitoring, according to the Authority’s announcement.