One of the most important elements in a quality college education is preparing students for success in their professions and communities. Drexel has historically provided cutting-edge practical knowledge and professional experience through our co-operative education program.

Our students are now experiencing the importance of community involvement through our new service learning program. This year’s freshman class is the first to participate in The Drexel Experience, a unique service learning partnership with the School District of Philadelphia, Junior Achievement of Philadelphia and Philadelphia READS. Twenty-two hundred first-year students are serving as mentors and tutors to 45,000 children in 94 local elementary schools during January and February.

In addition to managing class lessons and helping children with their reading, students are learning the importance of the mentor relationship. For many of these children, The Drexel Experience is their first exposure to college students, who are encouraging the youngsters to pursue higher education. Our students are also gaining knowledge about Philadelphia and are developing their communication skills, which will benefit their future careers.

Upperclassmen also learn about the urban experience through co-operative learning, research, part-time positions and on-campus living. While many students choose Philadelphia as their post-college home for its cultural strengths, there are equally strong career-based reasons for staying in the city.

Philadelphia boasts the nation’s second-largest concentration of health education facilities; the third highest concentration of research institutions; 60 biomedical research companies, 44 pharmaceutical companies and 77 medical/surgical manufacturers; and a lower cost of living than New York, Los Angeles, Washington and Boston.

To those parents who will attend Family Weekend in January, take the opportunity to learn more about students’ activities outside the classroom. And please take time to explore Philadelphia, Drexel’s "living laboratory." You will be impressed how much the city has to offer our students. Best wishes for a Happy New Year.

C.R. "Chuck" Pennoni Interim President