Our Commitment  

At Drexel University, we believe it’s our moral and civic responsibility as a university to be a contributing member of the larger social fabric of our city and especially of our neighborhoods. The Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships convenes programming for a diverse community by weaving together Drexel’s knowledge resources with the expertise of community-based partners. We aim to address the needs and interests of our stakeholders in a way that strengthens, empowers, and educates, while maintaining a strong commitment to economic and social justice. For our work to have the greatest impact it must be both sustainable and measurable. We will ensure that the Dornsife Center reaches the goals laid out by our stakeholder planning process through a multipronged longitudinal evaluation. 

Building the Cornerstone

The Dornsife Center is the cornerstone of Drexel’s commitment to the community. It focuses our best features—experiential and service learning, research, and neighborhood investments—on creating a shared future with our neighborhood stakeholders. More than just a service program, the Dornsife Center provides a physical space where students and faculty get to know and work closely with local residents and neighborhood leaders, partnering on initiatives for the long term.

Pioneering Urban Extension

Many public universities have agricultural extension centers that share research-based solutions with agricultural practitioners from across their home state. In others, extension is all about continuing education - classes and workshops designed to bring a university's various areas of expertise to everyday community members. The Dornsife Center takes both of these models and applies them in a hyperlocal neighborhood setting, working closely with neighborhood residents and other community stakeholders to guide its priorities. Drexel's faculty, staff and students have expertise in areas ranging from health and education to law and technology—knowledge they can both apply and deepen in collaboration with West Philadelphia residents.