The Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships is a neighborhood resource center hosting programs for people of all ages, and for members of the Mantua, Powelton Village, and Drexel communities. The Dornsife Center 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 more information about the Dornsife Center, click here. 

Here’s how DREXEL STUDENTS can get involved at the Dornsife Center!

1. Attend Programming

Monthly Community Dinner: Come join us the first Tuesday of every month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to find out what new and fascinating things we’re up to while enjoying a FREE delicious dinner with your neighbors. Check out the events calendar here and search for Community Dinner. 

Events Calendar: Many of the events at the Dornsife Center are open to you! Check out the events calendar here. 

2. Volunteer Opportunities

One-time Volunteer Opportunities: We often have one-time events such as serving dinner at the monthly Community Dinner, wrapping holiday gifts with the Mantua Civic Association and Mantua Community Improvement Committee, or helping at our annual Spring Garden Egg Hunt. To sign-up for upcoming community service opportunities, click here and search for Dornsife Center.

Become a Drexel Community Scholar: Student volunteers are needed to make a commitment of at least one term at many of our key partners including the  Open Lab in the Beachell Family Learning Center, the Helms Academy, the Community Wellness HUB, and Writers Room. For current positions, please apply to the Drexel Community Scholars Program here. 

3. Join the Staff as a Co-op or Work Study Employee

Do One of Your Co-op Experiences with the Dornsife Center:  Find our marketing and logistics full-time paid positions in the co-op employer portal via DrexelOne. 

Use Your Federal Work Study Funding: If you qualify for Federal Work Study funding as part of your financial aid package, consider joining the Dornsife Center team as a front office or data assistant student staff member. To view current positions, click here. 

4. Take a Community-Based Learning Course

Community Based Learning (CBL) Courses provide students with the opportunity to enhance their classroom learning by working within the community. Students who participate in CBL courses can gain substantive insight into the complex and real-world issues facing our society, and will also have the opportunity to develop leadership and critical thinking skills, which are valuable to future employers. Many of these courses are offered at the Dornsife Center. To view upcoming courses, click here. 

5. Build Capacity 

Create a Program: The Dornsife Center offers programming in the following general areas: Adult Education and Workforce Access, Arts and Culture, Health and Wellness, Creating Knowledge Together, Kids and Families, Building Educational Opportunities, and Individual and Family Supports. Students are encouraged to reach out to the Dornsife Center with a program idea by completing this form. Did you know that the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement sponsors a mini-grant to give students the opportunity to bring their community-based ideas to life at the Dornsife Center? For more information, click here.

Organize a Book Drive: At every Community Dinner, the Dornsife Center hosts a book swap in which community members are encouraged to bring their pre-loved books to donate and get some new ones while they’re at it. Book donations of all genres are always welcome from students and student organizations!
 

6. Utilize the Space

Come Study or Unwind in the Learning Terrace: Space on campus is limited! You’re invited any time Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to study or unwind in the Learning Terrace of the Lindy House. Drexel wi-fi network is available on site.

Book Space for a Student Organization: If you’d like to book a room for a student organization meeting or events, please fill out the inquiry form located here.