In his 2010 Convocation address, President John A. Fry unveiled his vision for Drexel University as the “most civically engaged university in the United States,” enriching its urban environment through the full array of its resources, “academic, student and employee voluntarism, and institutionally supported neighborhood investment.” He outlined what he called the beginning of a comprehensive engagement strategy for Drexel and its surrounding communities of Powelton and Mantua, a first step in what would be a “broad-based, flexible, long-term and sustainable partnership with our University City community.” Through initial investments in public safety and security, homeownership, retail and economic development, community enrichment, health and wellness and education, President Fry laid the groundwork for a transformational commitment on the part of Drexel’s faculty, students, trustees and administration to their West Philadelphia neighborhood. Drexel's future and the future of its community are inexorably linked.
Civic engagement not only unites neighborhoods – it educates students in problem solving, understanding diversity, good citizenship, and leadership. These attributes are at the core of Drexel University’s mission. Drexel is committed to solving real problems and making a difference in the lives of our students and our neighbors.
At Drexel, we support three types of civic engagement: research and academic programs that directly benefit communities; public service by students and faculty; and business practices that support local economic development. Our engagement is long-term and multi-generational. Engagement is fundamental to Drexel’s mission, its heritage, and its future.
Through collaborations with local residents, city agencies, national organizations, and corporations, we support a portfolio of community initiatives designed to improve overall quality of life in West Philadelphia and beyond. From neighborhood partnerships with PECO that improve programs and resources at local elementary schools to global initiatives like weServe that enable students to experience a firsthand understanding of healthcare needs and disparities, we are committed to improving the public good at the neighborhood, local, national and global levels.
Drexel’s commitment to helping the underserved can be traced to its founding in 1891, when Anthony J. Drexel created the Drexel Institute to provide working-class men and women with an education that would improve their lives and economic prospects in the Industrial Age. In 2009, the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities named Drexel one of the top 10 institutions for community service in its report, “Saviors of Our Cities: Survey of Best College and University Civic Partnerships.”
Read more about some of our recent colaborations.
"Today, Drexel University is a part of many strong communities, from worldwide academic and research groups to local civic organizations to the neighborhoods where our students and staff study, work, and live alongside fellow Philadelphians. As an active member of our community, Drexel understands that the challenges facing our neighborhoods are complicated and need to be addressed in many ways simultaneously. Our vision for tomorrow is to become the most civically engaged university in the nation, and we are committed to stabilizing housing, increasing safety and services in the neighborhood, improving education, creating lively retail with enhanced arts offerings, contributing to local economic development, and using our resources to improve the health and welfare of this community."
- John A. Fry, President