1. Drexel University October 2014
Neighborhood Initiatives

2. Drexel’s Approach to Civic Engagement
Aligning three dimensions of anchor capacity
Intentionally layering institutional, academic and student efforts together into a single comprehensive strategy

3. A Comprehensive Place-Based Strategy
Create a livable, affordable mixed-income community
Promote a clean, safe and sustainable neighborhood
Improve economic opportunities for community residents
Create lively retail corridors with enhanced arts and culture offerings
Enhance educational options and learning communities
Leverage resources to improve health and wellness in the community

4. Drexel’s Neighborhood

5. Drexel’s Work In The Promise Zone

6. A Community of Partners
Defining the “right role” for the university as part of a larger system of change
Universities as facilitators, conveners, creating a “front door,” aligning best practices into a system
Research and practice expertise
Collaborative approach with nonprofit/intermediary partners to implement resident-driven community plans
Nonprofits drive the affordability agenda, support community interests
Joint “equitable development strategy” with LISC, nonprofits, civic associations

7. Focus on building systems of best practices
Example 1: Education
Focus on building systems of best practices
Youth Employment/ Work Ready
After School Program
0-3
Early Childcare
Child Care Experts
Pre K
Head Start
Pre K Experts
Education K-8
Powel & McMichael
Principal Driven
Middle School Mentoring
High
School
Selection
College Access/
High School Mentoring
College
Drexel
Co-op
23 Daycare Centers
7 Pre K – Head Start Programs
Public School Partnerships
Turnaround Existing School
New School

8. Example 2: Economic Inclusion
Business Diversity in purchasing and contracting, through an analysis of Drexel’s procurement system and a focus on building businesses in the seven West Philadelphia zip codes.
Hire Local for employment and contracted services, including a commitment to local employment and business participation by Drexel’s strategic business partners, with adult education and targeted job training.
Construction Inclusion in Drexel projects, through a contracted partnership with a construction manager responsible for high goals for participation and a neighborhood branch office to facilitate local employment, foster apprentice development, and encourage local business.
STEM Pathways, a K-16 STEM initiative to ensure equity and local participation in the Innovation District.

9. Example 3: Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships
Goals:
Place for academic, student, institutional engagement
Implement comprehensive strategy
Engage nonprofit partners
Oversight by Community Advisory Council
Focus on problem solving
Foster dialogue
Program Areas Include:
Community Lawyering
Health and Wellness
Adult Education and Job Training
Art and Performance Spaces
Home Preservation
STEM Education
Financial Education
Community Meetings
Defining a new model of urban extension for a private urban university.
1.3 Acre Site in Mantua
Opened June 2014