Community Events and Resources

Families come together to the Dornsife Center for engaging STEAM activities, community-focused programs from the city’s cultural institutions, and the monthly community dinner.

Educators 4 Education (E4E)

• Auto Theft Reduction Program was co-created with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office
  and focuses on youth ages 13-19 years old, referred from the District Attorney’s office for
  non-violent auto-theft, who meet the criteria to participate in this curriculum which consists of
  learning juvenile justice laws, knowledge-based skills surrounding empathy, victim impact,
  emotional vulnerability, and positive influences.
• Transforming Justice Hub provides popular education to Philadelphia youth, in neighborhoods
  most familiar with the conditions of gun violence, to interrupt cycles of conflict, and the systems
  of oppression that cause them, through community organizing and community dialogue. Giving
  youth the opportunity to lead community dialogues, restorative justice processes and organizing
  initiatives in their community to mitigate gun violence, rooted in restorative justice and crisis
  response.

Museum of Black Joy

An interactive archive, a hybrid exhibition space, and living document of
non-traumatic Black life in Philadelphia and beyond, utilizing traditional storytelling and emerging
technologies to acknowledge and advance experiences rooted in Black joy.

Sharing Excess

Dedicated to reducing food waste and increasing food access by working with both food
businesses and food banks to share fresh produce with the community.

Trellis for Tomorrow

Manages over 25 garden sites that generate organic produce and positively impact
meals for neighbors in need. Provide youth programs with hands on work that help improve self-esteem
and future potential through paid internships, career readiness programming, leadership development,
and entrepreneurial experience.

Action for Early Learning

Part of the University & Community Partnerships team with the Dornsife Center, the West Philadelphia Action for Early Learning initiative aims to improve the early literacy of neighborhood children, and to support families and caregivers with early education. AFEL hosts periodic family read-along programs at the Dornsife Center to celebrate the importance of reading.

Exploring Science and Technology

We want every kid in the neighborhood to have a shot at a rewarding career. Drexel's scientists, engineers, and artists offer programs that invite kids to learn more about the world of science and technology. These programs focus on hands-on experiences that foster creativity and imagination.

Arts Programs For All Ages

Drexel's Department of Performing Arts offers free dance classes and music lessons to neighborhood children. Adults can take advantage of the dance fitness classes.

Monthly Community Dinner

Everybody is welcome to this family-friendly, free monthly dinner that features a great meal, a showcase of local artists, and a book exchange. 

Holiday Programs

We partner with Drexel Alumni Association and the Mantua Civic Association for a winter holiday turkey giveaway, and we support the Mantua Community Improvement Committee's holiday gift program for neighborhood children. Our annual Spring event, organized with several community partners, is a fun day featuring an egg hunt and seasonal crafts activities.