The West Philadelphia Improvement Corps is a complex partnership dedicated to improving the University's involvement in the West Philadelphia community. Conceived in 1985 in an undergraduate honors seminar taught by School of Arts and Sciences Vice Dean Ira Harkavy and President Sheldon Hackney, WEPIC has since become an international model of school-based neighborhood and school revitalization. "The major goal is to become an example for the effective improvement of schools, universities and other organizations so they might better fulfill their missions in society," Harkavy said. "The central thrust is for all the institutional partners to attain goals and work toward improving the quality of life." According to Harkavy, who is also the director of the Penn Program for Public Service, the community benefits from the expertise which the University can provide. The University benefits from furthering its three goals of research, teaching and service. According to WEPIC Executive Director Rae Scott-Jones, the program exists to provide a "sense of hope" for the community. Projects in the program, which include community schools, adult schools and landscaping projects, are funded through a series of grants from city, state and federal agencies and private foundations. To volunteer for the program students may contact either Undergraduate Student Coordinator Dorothea Schlosser or Cory Bowman, the WEPIC Coordinator for Turner Middle School.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.