Temple’s PASCEP Provides Low-Cost Classes to North Philadelphia Residents

By: Meaghan Burke

There are numerous clubs, organizations, initiatives, and opportunities at Temple, it is easy to get overwhelmed quickly. However, PASCEP, or the Pan-African Studies Community Education Program, is a project more Temple students should know about. Not only does it provide so many great opportunities to get involved, but it works to give back to our community, even during a pandemic!

PASCEP, a low cost, no-credit education program, allows North Philadelphia residents to continue their education,take part in fun, informative classes and various work initiative programs aimed to connect PASCEP students to available jobs and provide them the tools, such as interview tips or help with resumes, they need to get hired. This program runs through the Office of Community Relations at Temple.

Andrea Swan, the Community and Neighborhood Affairs Director, described PASCEP as “the intersection of education at Temple and the community.” The Office of Community Relations literally stands right at the convergence of campus and the community on Cecil B. Moore as a great reminder of its purpose here at the university.

Annie D. Hyman, a Temple graduate, founded PASCEP in 1975. She was an activist for the North Philly community and she truly strived to bring together Temple’s students,faculty and neighboring community. “She created this program, and laid the foundation for a program that combines social services with adult enrichment and education,” Swan said.

Like everything else, PASCEP has had to adjust their plans because of COVID-19, but they have taken it in stride and continue to offer great opportunities to community members. PASCEP students are currently able to take virtual classes on interesting and informational topics such as line dancing, financial literacy, and self care.

“A big part of our job right now is reminding our neighbors and the Philadelphia community that Temple is still open and we are still here to help, even if from a virtual standpoint,” Swan explained.

Just because classes have moved online does not mean we cannot still get involved and help the community around us! Temple students are constantly reminded through social media and Temple initiatives like the Good Neighbor Initiative that we, as a student body, have an obligation to be good neighbors to the residents of North Philadelphia. Our campus was built right on top of a neighborhood that still surrounds us today. PASCEP is a program that assists the community and helps to build that university-community relationship.

Ulicia Lawrence-Oladeinde, the director of the Community education program, described how PASCEP has helped in building this community-University relationship, “PASCEP was there when there was turmoil with Temple University and the community, it served as a liaison.”

Lawrence-Oladeinde went on to say, “Temple University sits within their community: how about we provide some of these things to start them on a path to education through things that we have right here at Temple. Utilizing Temple students as mentors and ambassadors, and letting them serve and be served by the community.”

To get involved as a student volunteer, email Andrea Swan at aswan@temple.edu. PASCEP will be searching for undergrads to volunteer as tutors for local K-12 students, which is a really great way to work to help them adjust to remote learning and give back to the community.

PASCEP is so vital to the community right now. “You can instill the love of learning even in the midst of a pandemic,” Swan said.

Cover Photo Credit: PASCEP Twitter