New Funding and Fellowship Drive Drexel’s Commitment to Systemic Change and Student Success

Drexel University Philadelphia Leads with Sustainability, Scholarships and Career-Focused Programmes

Drexel University in Philadelphia gained significant attraction during the last academic term on the collegial, scholastic and departmental fronts. According to reports disseminated from the Office of the Provost, new funding for Drexel was obtained, partnership programmes were broadened, and its academic enterprise was strengthened. The Environmental Collaboratory, situated at Drexel University, is reported to be among those that are first recipients of the Powering Economic Opportunity Fund, a national initiative from the GitLab Foundation. This funding is expected to orient the Collaboratory towards stronger partnerships with universities, workforce organisations, and private-sector stakeholders, particularly in renewable energy and climate-linked careers. The Families & Workers Fund is backing the fund to help low-wage earners transition into the high-growth sectors of advanced manufacturing.

As well as this, the Collaboratory is reportedly conducting an independent evaluation of the Clean Curb Programme Pilot initiated by the West Philadelphia Corridor Collaborative. This is a six-month pilot to assist small businesses in better managing their waste using Trashmitter, an app connecting users with licensed waste hauliers. Drexel's role consists of gathering data on waste volumes, business feedback, and community impacts to steer long-term policy and scalable waste solutions.

A gift of $1 million from the Bedford Falls Foundation – DAF will be utilised to set up the Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarship at the College of Nursing and Health Professions. This scholarship seeks to improve access to high-quality nursing education, addressing the national shortage of qualified nurses. It will assist students in Drexel's Bachelor of Nursing Degree programmes, both standard and accelerated pathways.

Meanwhile, the School of Education is enhancing its Philadelphia Teacher Residency programme with a multi-year grant of $600,000 from the William Penn Foundation. This funding will allow Drexel University to train and certify 25 new teachers for local schools, further strengthening its commitment to education in Pennsylvania. The Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel also received $25,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities as partial support for community exhibits commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, while a two-year digitisation project funded by the National Archives is almost complete, which will enhance online accessibility for the Local History Collection.

Daria Waite, a research associate at the Dana and David Dornsife School of Public Health, earned the Stoneleigh Emerging Leader Fellowship. Under her project, she will work to improve support for victims of violence and enhance access to hospital-based intervention services through 2027. The College of Nursing and Health Professions established two new hands-on learning experiences for students in the Accelerated Career Entry (ACE) Bachelor of Nursing degree programme. One is a 40-hour immersion in nephrology nursing with DaVita, a leader in kidney care. The other provides similar experience in perioperative nursing in conjunction with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Both aim to strengthen clinical skills and open career paths for graduates of Drexel University.

A summer Chinese language programme was held by the College of Arts and Sciences for 25 high school students, held in conjunction with STARTALK, a federal grant programme. Moreover, the English Language Centre hosted a cohort from Ulster University in Northern Ireland for a four-week cultural exchange focused on U.S. sociopolitical topics. A new Library Exhibit Initiative was launched at W.W. Hagerty Library, showcasing student work from courses that interact with Drexel collections. The pilot exhibit, The Philadelphia Challenge, worked with Professor Eric Zillmer and students from the General Psychology course; it showed responses to artefacts from the Atwater Kent Collection and a map of joyful places in Philadelphia.

The Bennett S. LeBow College of Business received an important contract from Comcast to implement a part-time MBA Degree Programme in the field of artificial intelligence. The programme, which started in mid-September, includes 35 senior leaders from Comcast and is indicative of an increasing involvement of Drexel in the field of executive education. The Rising Starters initiative of the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship hosted two summer camps. One focused on fashion entrepreneurship, welcoming students from all over North America, including Oregon, Ontario, and Puerto Rico. The other examined social entrepreneurship and global problem-solving in partnership with Philadelphia Financial Scholars. Students developed skills in creativity, innovation, AI, and influencer strategy, culminating in a round of team pitches and an awards ceremony.

Dr Annette Gadegbeku from the College of Medicine worked with local stakeholders in Chester, Pennsylvania, to organise the Together for Chester Healthcare Resource Fair. The event was called in response to the closure of Crozer Health, which left numerous residents without a reliable source of medical care. The Drexel faculty and students conducted screenings, health assessments, prescription support, and referral areas to fill the gap in local healthcare access.

This update reflects Drexel University’s ongoing efforts to support students through college scholarships, expand academic partnerships in Pennsylvania, and offer meaningful career opportunities after graduation. For those looking into university admissions, Drexel offers a myriad of undergraduate degree options as well as professional pathways for international students, including nursing and education programmes, business, and entrepreneurship.

Editor’s Note:

Drexel University in Philadelphia goes beyond providing an update on term performance; from securing direct funds to creating programmes to manifest increased partnerships, the university has clearly pronounced its commitment to institutional excellence and relevance to the community. Most innovative of all is the strategic coupling of funding to impact within the university. The inclusion of the Environmental Collaboratory in the Powering Economic Opportunity Fund, which was also mentioned in the context of assessing the Clean Curb Programme, shows that the institution is taking a forward-looking view of sustainability and innovation within city life. These are not isolated initiatives; rather, they complement a whole pattern with which Drexel aligns itself to be not only responsive but responsible in its academic institutional efforts. At the same time, the university has taken positive steps in investing in education and health. Creation of the Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarship and expanding the Philadelphia Teacher Residency programme are timely interventions for national shortage areas. Initiatives of these types not only advance students through college scholarships, but they also fill long-term workforce gaps. From digitisation to historical collections to the launching of an MBA Degree Programme in artificial intelligence, Drexel will not rest on its laurels. Drexel is actively engaged in redefining what a modern university should truly offer undergraduate bachelor's degree courses and what it should provide after graduation regarding career opportunities.

Skoobuzz underscores that Drexel is a good example for all institutions in its emphasis on experiential learning, global engagement, and inclusive community partnerships. In fact, for international students in search of universities, Drexel does have something to present: it is a merit-driven institution and highly innovative, yet deeply rooted and anchored in the local and global contexts.

FAQs

1. What undergraduate degree courses does Drexel University offer?

Drexel University in Philadelphia offers a wide range of undergraduate degree programmes across disciplines such as nursing, education, business, public health, arts and sciences, and entrepreneurship. Students can choose from standard and accelerated pathways, including the Bachelor of Nursing Degree and interdisciplinary options in global studies and psychology.

2. How does Drexel University support students with college scholarships?

Drexel University provides substantial financial support through targeted scholarships. Notably, the Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarship, funded by a $1 million gift, helps students access high-quality nursing education. The university also offers merit-based and need-based scholarships across its academic departments to support student success.

3. What new academic partnerships has Drexel University formed in Pennsylvania?

Drexel University has expanded its academic partnerships through initiatives such as the Philadelphia Teacher Residency programme, supported by the William Penn Foundation. Collaborations with DaVita and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania offer hands-on clinical training for nursing students. Additionally, Drexel’s involvement in the Clean Curb Program Pilot reflects its commitment to community-based innovation.

4. How can international students apply for Drexel University admissions? 

International students interested in Drexel University admissions can apply online through the university’s official portal. Drexel offers tailored support for international applicants, including cultural immersion programmes, English language preparation, and access to undergraduate and postgraduate pathways in nursing, business, and education.

5. What are the career opportunities after graduation from Drexel University?

Graduates from Drexel University benefit from strong career prospects in high-growth sectors. The university’s experiential learning model, including partnerships with organisations like Comcast and DaVita, prepares students for roles in artificial intelligence, healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship. Career services and alumni networks further support post-graduation success.