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Urban Service Experience

A 2-credit, six-day community service program for incoming first-year University Park students in Philadelphia.

August 12–17 and August 19–24, 2012

• Spend six days in Philadelphia
• Earn 2 Penn State credits
• Transition into college life
• Build lasting friendships
• Make a difference

Urban Service Experience (USE) is a 2-credit Penn State student orientation program (RPTM 297C) that provides all incoming Penn State students with an opportunity to learn more about an urban community through service projects, while making friendships that will ease the transition from high school to college. Working side-by-side with other incoming Penn State students, the participants can learn about the benefits of serving a community and become more aware of the needs of those appreciating their service.

Get a glimpse of what Urban Service Experience is all about:

 
Having trouble seeing the video above? Click here.

What Activities Are Included in Urban Service Experience?

Four days of community service in Philadelphia:

 

• Participate in active outdoor service work in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park.
• Spend a rewarding day with Boys & Girls Club and the American Cancer Society.
• Make a difference in the lives of seniors through a day of service.
• Get involved with a community revitalization project in one of Philadelphia's neighborhoods.

Fun evenings of dynamic speakers, activities, and tours:

• Explore Philadelphia's inspiring neighborhood murals, created by communities in an effort to clean up their neighborhoods and improve their quality of life.
• Visit South Street and enjoy a Philly cheesesteak on the "Rocky steps."
• Celebrate your week of success with a final cookout.

 

What Are the Course Requirements for USE?

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

 

• participate in a positive manner throughout the session
• 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 on or near University Park campus
• attend a two-hour wrap-up session in early fall 
(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?

If you are enrolled as a full-time student (12 or more credits) for fall semester, there is no additional tuition fee. There is a nonrefundable $175 program fee that will be billed directly to your student account. Cancellations must be received by email to use@outreach.psu.edu at least three weeks prior to the program start date so that students on the waiting list may enjoy the USE experience.

Where Will You Meet Your Group?

You will meet your leaders and fellow USE students at 3:30 p.m. at the Chamounix Mansion Youth Hostel on the first day of your session. Please do not be late. If you drive on your own to Philadelphia instead of being dropped off, you will not be permitted to drive your car during the week of the course. Parking is available at the hostel for your car—but at your own risk.

The Urban Service Experience program is modeled after the award winning ORION program—a wilderness orientation program for incoming students that has been running successfully since 1996.

Still have questions about USE? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more!

 

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