Become a change agent of tomorrow. From one-time participation to long-term, sustained engagement within our scholarship programs, you can explore co-curricular activities that will develop your skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and socially responsible leadership.
Widener's commitment to civic engagement is reflected in the diverse range of programs and initiatives in which you can get involved. Through partnerships with local community organizations to global service projects, you'll seize opportunities to connect your academic knowledge to real-world challenges and play an active role in making positive change at home and abroad.
Widener's commitment to civic engagement transformed my education into a purposeful journey. Through hands-on projects and community involvement, I discovered the power of making a positive impact, shaping me into a socially responsible leader for life. - Arielle McRae '24
What is civic engagement?
Civic engagement is the practice of working together with local organizations and businesses to make a meaningful impact in the community. Widener's commitment to civic engagement ensures that every student—regardless of major—can contribute to our local communities through a variety of opportunities.
Serving With Pride
Received Community Engagement Recognition
From the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
79% of Widener undergraduates participate in service or civic engagement—27% higher than the national average.
2022 Gold Rating
Earned by the Widener Community Nursing Clinic at CityTeam three years in a row for its delivery of high-quality health care to underinsured and uninsured members of the community.
Service learning at Widener combines community service with academic coursework. Widener faculty give you the support to apply academic content with meaningful, measurable projects in real community settings. Through our service learning courses, you will have innovative opportunities to serve our local communities—developing your sense of civic responsibility while achieving your academic goals. A variety of service learning courses are offered every semester, as well as faculty-led international trips with service learning at their core.
Community Outreach & Opportunities
Widener’s community outreach programs will help you gain hands-on experience, hone your leadership skills, grow your professional network, and broaden your worldview. Whether you’re teaching kids in Chester, participating in innovative outreach programs in Philadelphia, or installing solar panels in Panama villages, service can stretch your mind and heart. At Widener, you can make a positive impact in the lives of people around the world. Additionally, Widener operates a number of community clinics and centers, and partners with various employers to further the education of their employees.
Community Youth Involvement
Our students, faculty, and staff serve as teachers, tutors, and trainers in many programs that give overall support and educational opportunities to families and children. At Widener, you can serve in a variety of schools, school districts, and after-school programs, all while earning skills and helping support local youth and students.
Voter Engagement
At Widener, you can promote local voter turnout and support the democratic process. By connecting with community members, sharing information, and helping voters understand their options, you play a vital role in ensuring that every voice in the community has the chance to be heard.
Community-based work study offers Federal Work Study eligible students the opportunity to earn money while participating in community service projects. Undergraduate and graduate students can work with local businesses and organizations to make an impact. Opportunities range from high impact tutoring to working as an intern with local nonprofits. You'll develop work-ready skills while making positive change.
The Bonner Leaders program was developed by Widener in partnership with the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation to develop the change agents of our time. Our leaders not only graduate with a degree, but also benefit from transferable workforce skills including four years of work experience in the nonprofit sector, intensive leadership training, and a drive to make an impact in our local to global communities.
The Bonner Leaders commit to serving internship-level community service (150 hours per academic year, roughly 5-7 hours weekly). They also participate in customized, experiential learning opportunities designed to make them stand out as civic leaders, social justice agents and active global citizens.
Service has always been a part of my life, but before Widener, it was sporadic. Joining the Bonner Scholars program changed that, providing consistent volunteer positions in the community. Coaching soccer at elementary schools pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to develop leadership skills that I'll use in my career. - Vinny Csercsevits '25
The Maguire Scholars Fund provides scholarship awards to as many as three incoming, first-year Widener students each year and is renewable each year for a total of four years providing students continue to meet qualifications.
Eligibility to be considered for a Maguire Scholarship includes:
Applying as a first-year student and being admitted to the university
Remaining in good academic standing, and actively participating in school and community volunteer extracurricular activities
Demonstrating financial need as determined by the university
For information on the Maguire Foundation and the listing of participating high schools students must have attended to apply for the award, please visit the Maguire Foundation website.
The Pride Service Site Leadership Program empowers students to develop a service-oriented mindset. Students not only graduate with a degree, but also benefit from transferable workforce skills including four years of work experience in the nonprofit sector, intensive leadership training, and a drive to make an impact in our local to global communities.
PSSL’s also work to increase and sustain the quality of life for residents in the Chester community. Students learn the skills needed to be a citizen of character who demonstrates civic leadership.
Pride Service Site Leaders complete 150 hours during the academic year. In return, they receive a $1,000 scholarship to be applied toward their tuition. Interested students should inquire with the Center for Civic Engagement in the fall of their first-year to apply.
Civic Engagement Highlights
Stacey Robertson at Kaboom Playground in Sun Village
President Stacey Robertson helped build a playground on 9th St in Sun Village, alongside Widener PT and OT students.
Governor Josh Shapiro at MLK Program
Governor Josh Shapiro worked with two students, along with Tara Jones (Chester Cultural Arts & Technology Center), to pack bags for unhoused individuals.
Student-led Workshops at the STEM Teaching Center
Engineering students led a science workshop at the Boys and Girls Club of Chester as part of a bioinstrumentation class.
High-Impact Tutoring
A high-impact student tutor helps elementary school students at Chester Upland School District strengthen their math skills and build confidence, while gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Community Nursing Clinic
Nursing student Taylor Wise ’25 helped launch Widener’s on-campus Community Nursing Clinic, expanding access to healthcare for the Chester community.
Camp Brave Trails
Social Work graduate Sophia Hastings '18 empowers LGBTQ+ youth at a leadership-focused summer camp.
Taylor Easter is the 2025 President's Award winner. One of the university's highest honors, the President's Award recognizes a graduating senior who has contributed the most to Chester campus life through scholarship and participation in extracurricular activities.
The STEM Teaching Center, formerly known as the Science Teaching Center, is making a big local impact and creating a pathway for students from across the university to engage with the community.
Widener University’s work-study tutoring program, which supports Chester fourth graders, has been recognized for expansion by the Partnership for Student Success, highlighting its impact on student learning and academic achievement.
