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An offering of Penn State

About the Program

What Activities Are Included in the Urban Service Experience?

Four days of community service in Philadelphia...

  • Experience three days of active outdoor service work in recreational areas within Philadelphia.
  • Spend a rewarding day with the Greater Philadelphia Area Food Bank.
  • The Greater Philadelphia Area Food Bank will present "Hunger 101." Learn what it's like to be hungry and in need of food bank services.
  • Make a difference in the lives of seniors through a day of service.

...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 http://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 activity fee is $125. It will be billed to your student account. Full refunds of the activity fee will be made for cancellations received at least three weeks prior to the departure date.


How Will You Get There?

We will meet on the University Park campus at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27, for week 1 and on Sunday, August 3, 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 Wednesday, January 23, 2008