Swarthmore College’s Entire Incoming Class of 2016 will Work in the Community on August 31

This will be the College’s largest community-service student orientation effort 

Swarthmore College’s entire incoming Class of 2016 will volunteer at local nonprofits and community service organizations on Fri., Aug. 31, as part of their orientation activities, marking the first time the College has organized a community service effort of this size for first-year students. 


Organized by the Dean’s Office and Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility, more than 400 new students will volunteer at service sites in Chester, Delaware County, Philadelphia, and Swarthmore, Pa. Students will engage in a variety of community works including harvesting at Hillside Farm in Media, mural painting at Chester High School, and packing foods at Philabundance Food Bank in Philadelphia for distribution to needy families.

“These projects illustrate our commitment to supporting students in making a difference in the world and give new students a chance to actively engage with our surrounding communities,” says dean of students Liz Braun. “We hope this experience will inspire students to continue to explore how they can make a difference locally and globally.” 

“This innovative and expanded orientation activity illustrates the vital role community involvement plays in the life and values of Swarthmore’s students,” says Lang Center executive director Joy Charlton. “The integration of academic interests and community engagement is what makes a Swarthmore education unique and why many students choose to come here. The Lang Center is proud to be a sponsor of this event.” Charlton will join 25 students at the YWCA in Chester to assist with the building’s maintenance. 

Class of 2016 Orientation Volunteering Sites and Activities in Chester City 

Chester 
YWCA 
4 East 7th Street 
Chester, PA 19013 
Activities: Facility maintenance 
Estimated number of students: 25 

Chester Environmental Garden 
Ruth L. Bennet Holmes 
1350 W. 9th Street 
Chester, PA 19013 
Activities: Clean garden and seasonal preparation 
Estimated number of students: 20 

Crozer Library 
620 Engle Street 
Chester, PA 19013 
Activities: Facility maintenance 
Estimated number of students: 10 

Thomas Memorial Presbyterian Church 
1414 W. 3rd Street 
Chester, PA 19013 
Activities: Paint library in after-school program area 
Estimated number of students: 10 

Community Action Center of Delaware County Wesley House Shelter 
701 Madison Street 
Chester, PA 19013 
Activities: Facility maintenance 
Estimated number of students: 10 

Community Action Center of Delaware County Kidz First Early Childhood Learning Center 
723 Madison Street 
Chester PA 19013 
Activities: Facility maintenance 
Estimated number of students: 10 

Chester Senior Center 
721 Hayes Street 
Chester, PA 19013 
Activities: Assist with picnic for seniors 
Estimated number of students: 12 

Columbus Elementary School 
320 W. 10th Street 
Chester, PA 19013 
Activities: Assist with school library 
Estimated number of students: 10 

Chester High School 
232 W. 9th Street 
Chester, PA 19013 
Activities: Paint mural and assist with school library 
Estimated number of students: 10 

Chester Township Cleanup 
1150 Engle Street 
Chester, PA 19013 
Activities: Park and community clean-up 
Estimated number of students: 50