Drexel: Philadelphia's First Age-Friendly University

In November 2019, Drexel University officially became an Age-friendly University, the first institution in Philadelphia to join the Age-friendly Global Network. An age-friendly university embodies 10 principles, which together lay out how a college or university can prepare for the future and meet the needs of students, faculty, and people of all ages. Drexel joins more than 60 institutions worldwide that have signed on to this exciting initiative.

Our Vision

Through engaging and building on the strengths of individuals as they age, faculty, staff, alumni and students can transform Drexel into a place for lifelong learning. Drexel has the opportunity to reimagine its approach to teaching, scholarship and education and create an environment that disrupts ageism, embraces people of all ages, fosters intergenerational connectivity and innovates through age-related research from the cellular to the societal levels.

Age-Friendly in Action

Drexel University’s Age-Friendly efforts already include:

• The AgeWell Collaboratory (and its Student Network), the College of Nursing and Health Professions’ center without walls, led by Laura N. Gitlin, PhD, to promote healthy aging in partnership with >70 community-based organizations and interprofessional approaches to research, education and practice
• The Cell2Society Aging Research Network, a Drexel Area of Research Excellence Grant, led by DiMaria-Ghalili, PhD, in collaboration with 42 researchers across the University
• The Goodwin College of Professional Studies’ AgeWell Academy for older adults and professionals in the aging network
• The University Advisory Committee on Access, evaluating online and built environment accessibility
• The Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, programs focusing on older adults in West Philadelphia
• Aging-related International Courses Abroad & Co-ops … And more!

Learn More >

The Skills Hub

The Skills Hub at Goodwin College serves adult learners from 18 to 80+. Lifelong learning doesn’t stop at a particular age. At AgeWell Academy, adult learners, 50+, can sharpen skills, earn certifications and professional certificates, and enjoy personal and professional enrichment opportunities.

Learn more about the Skills Hub >

Course Offerings