Youth Outreach
The Office of Government and Community Relations offers outreach programs that provide education and mentoring for Philadelphia youth. Current programs include:
Health Explorer’s Post Youth Advisory Board and members of the 2006-2007 Explorers Post
Every two weeks throughout the school year, high school students from across Philadelphia travel to Drexel's Center City Campus to attend the Health Explorers Post after school program. Having just concluded its 10th year, Drexel's Explorers program has worked intensely with over 250 students to introduce them to health careers, and mentor them in academic, job-readiness and general life issues in an effort to recruit more minorities into the health professions. This program provides an opportunity for youth to learn about different health professions directly from Drexel University faculty and students. Although presentations differ from year to year depending on the interest of the youth, professions that are usually involved include Nursing, Physician Assistants, Physical Therapy, Medicine and Emergency Medical Services. Along with information about health careers, students learn about the college application process, develop leadership skills and do hands on activities.
A Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is being convened for the first time from members of the 2007 program. During the summer, the YAB had several meetings with OGCR staff in order to assist with the planning and implementation of the '07-'08 post and will also attended tours of local universities, starting with Drexel.
Shadowing Day
Each November the Office of Government and Community Relations coordinates Shadowing Day, a citywide event that joins Philadelphia businesses and organizations with ninth graders from the Philadelphia School District. Approximately 60 students spend the day on Drexel's three campuses, attending programs, touring and being mentored by an assigned faculty or staff in order to gain insight into a typical work day.
Take Our Child to Work Day
The Office of Government and Community Relations coordinates Take Our Child to Work Day, which is implemented on all three university campuses each April. Over 150 youth are able to learn about careers, tour facilities, engage in activities and spend time with a parent learning about what they do.
Shadowing Day and Take Our Child to Work Day are both programs of Work Ready Philadelphia, one of the nation's largest youth workforce development systems.
For more information on youth outreach activities, contact our Center City Office at 215-255-7889.