About the Program

What Activities Are Included in the Urban Service Experience?

Four days of community service in Philadelphia...

Experience a day of active outdoor service work in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park.
Spend a rewarding day with the Greater Philadelphia Area Food Bank.
Make a difference in the lives of seniors through a day of service.
Spend a day revitalizing one of Philadelphia's neighborhoods.

...and evenings of dynamic speakers and activities

Explore Philadelphia's neighborhood murals, created by communities in an effort to clean up their neighborhoods and improve their quality of life.
A night out on the town—we'll visit South Street and enjoy a Philly cheesesteak on the "Rocky steps."
Explore the life and legacy of Paul Robeson in the home where he lived the last ten years of his life.
Celebrate our week of success with a cookout.

What Are the Course Requirements?

To earn 2 credits for this Penn State course (RPTM 297C), you will:

participate in a positive manner throughout the trip
keep a creative and insightful journal
participate in small-group meetings
write a final paper that summarizes what you have learned
create a detailed goal statement for your first year at Penn State
participate in a four-hour community service project
attend a two-hour wrap-up session in late September
(Your final paper, goal statement, and community service form will be due on this day.)

Where Will You Be Staying?

You will stay at the Chamounix Hostel, a historic mansion in Fairmount Park. Sleeping conditions will be in air-conditioned, dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds. Visit www.philahostel.org to check out the accommodations. Additional details on the lodging will be included in your welcome packet.

How Much Does It Cost?

The nonrefundable program fee is $175. It will be billed to your student account. Cancellations need to be received by e-mail to use@outreach.psu.edu at least three weeks prior to the departure date so that students on the waiting list may participate.

How Will You Get There?

We will meet on the University Park campus at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 24, for week 1 and on Sunday, July 31, for week 2. Transportation by van will be provided. If you are from the Philadelphia area or live closer to Philadelphia than to State College, you may meet us in Philadelphia. An e-mail will be sent one week in advance with meeting plan details.

Many of the photographs included throughout the site are © Sven Zellner. For a listing, please contact us.
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The Pennsylvania State University | This page was last modified on Thursday, May 19, 2011