What types of services does the Drexel ExCITe Center offer? What can participants expect from your programs?
The ExCITe Center at Drexel University is an academic research institute with a focus on community engagement. We have three academic labs in the center focused on music technology, inclusive learning through our educational maker space, and video game design and entrepreneurship. We also have community focused programs including Action For Early Learning and our Digital Navigator Program.
The Digital Navigator Program is focused on supporting the West Philadelphia community with access to free/discounted Internet access, computer refurbishing and distribution, and free digital skills courses. Specifically our team can assist with:
- Signing up to the Affordable Connectivity Program (a federal benefit that provides $30/month towards Internet costs)
- Basic technical support for your device
- Provide a refurbished desktop computer for non-profits or households
- Enrolling in the free Northstar Digital Literacy course with Drexel’s Beachell Family Learning Center
We also host a free Young Dragons summer STEAM program for middle school youth in June and July.
Who are these services for? Are there eligibility requirements?
We are focused on supporting community members. We primarily focus on the West Philadelphia community, but will try to assist anyone that calls. We also assist community-based organizations with their computer needs, depending on our current computer inventory. All of our Digital Navigator services are free without any eligibility requirements. Our Young Dragons program is completely free, but students must be part of the West Philadelphia Promise Zone (19104 zip code).
Integrating the ExCITe Center’s Technology with HFP’s Diabetes Prevention Program
The ExCITe Center has assisted HFP’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) with connecting participants in the program to technology. The DPP program is a year-long CDC-recognized educational program that provides participants with information about diabetes and healthy lifestyle changes. Sessions are held online so technology access is crucial to participate. Fortunately, the ExCITe Center provided the DPP program with ten Chromebooks for patients in the most recent DPP cohort. Without the help of the ExCITe Center, participants in the program would have had to find a way to get an electronic device on their own, use an outdated device, or struggle to connect to the program. Cliff Brown, a Health & Wellness Coordinator with the DPP program, found that receiving the assistance of the ExCITe Center was simple and highly recommended CBOs and community members check out the rest of their programs.
One individual in the program was deeply impacted by the Chromebook they were provided. This participant was originally skeptical about joining the program because they did not have the technology necessary, did not know how to use technology, and would rather be in person for the sessions. However, Cliff was able to support them with individual guidance to navigate the Chromebook and understand the Zoom platform. Now, this participant is able to integrate their Chromebook into daily life outside of the DPP program to schedule and attend telehealth appointments.
What is important for individuals to know about the Drexel ExCITe Center?
We work closely with Drexel’s division of University and Community Partnerships. This includes the West Philadelphia Promise Neighborhoods grant, the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, the Beachell Family Learning Center, and the Lindy Center for Neighborhood Partnerships. We often host Drexel undergraduates as part time workers and for their cooperative education experiences (co-ops). We also host high school internships and provide occasional workshops for local teen programs.
What is the best way to get connected to these programs?
Follow us on social media on Twitter @excitecenter and Instagram @drexelexcite. You can also email or call our Digital Navigators at navigator@excitecenter.org and 1-267-217-3508.
You can also learn more about the work we do through our 2022 Annual report.
