Philly Program

This urban experience facilitates engagement with the diversity, complexity, innovation, and systems of the city.

Students enroll in two Philadelphia-focused courses from different disciplines taught by Tri-Co faculty in Philadelphia. The urban setting provides a sense of place to enhance the classroom experience, helping students learn first hand how the material in the courses is informed by the environment around them.

Speakers and representatives from organizations are invited guests in the classes, and students explore the city through neighborhood tours and also through trips to museums, community-based organizations, archives, and arts and cultural organizations.

The program also includes participation in monthly Philadelphia-based activities—some academic in nature, some connected to issues of social justice, and some simply fun—as well as the opportunity to attend talks and engage with volunteer opportunities in the city. Additionally, the program includes an orientation, a mid-semester gathering and a closing dinner.

Tri-Co sophomores, juniors and seniors in good academic standing are eligible to participate in the program. Expenses related to travel for classes and for co- and extracurricular programming are covered for students accepted into the program. Travel to Tri-Co Philly classes will also be covered for students taking a class, but not enrolled in the program. 

For faculty, the Tri-Co Philly Program facilitates engagement with the city—through both grants to support connecting on-campus courses with Philadelphia, and opportunities to teach program courses in the city.