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 2009
Shadowing Day Students on Center City Campus touring Pathology Department to learn about the process of an autopsy
Student observing Robotic Surgery in the O.R. at Hahnemann University Hospital during Shadowing Day on Center City Campus
On February 3, 2009, Drexel University participated in the 15th Annual City-Wide Shadowing Day, serving as host to 56 Philadelphia students. Group programs and one-on-one mentoring provided students with an opportunity to learn about the variety of careers available across our university. Ninth-grade students from Motivation High School (Center City Campus), University City High School (University City Campus) and Randolph Technical High School (Queen Lane Campus) participated from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at one of Drexel’s three campuses. While shadowing Drexel faculty and staff on their daily routines, the students had hands-on experience with a variety of office, lab and hospital equipment. Campus tours were conducted on University City and Queen Lane Campuses and Hahnemann University Hospital tours were provided on the Center City Campus. Student evaluations consistently demonstrate high ratings of Shadowing Day experiences; time with mentors being valued the most. For more information on Shadowing Day, please contact the Office of Government and Community Relations at 215-255-7893.
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.