Fall 2025 Highlights

On November 7th, the Jewett Center for Community Partnership – in collaboration with the Gordon Career Center and the Patricelli Center for Entrepreneurship – took over a dozen students and community partners on a  “Career Trek” to Harlem, New York City. During this event, students were able to speak and interact with people working directly within the community engagement and non-profit sectors at two innovative organizations: Children’s Aid and Harlem Grown.

Students visited Children’s Aid — a major nonprofit serving tens of thousands of children and families — where they heard from leaders including Wesleyan alum and CEO Phoebe Boyer ’89, P’19, ’23 and senior performance analyst Andi Wiley ’22, MA ’23. In smaller breakout groups, students also explored program sites like Children’s Aid College Prep Charter School, the Dunlevy Milbank Community Center, and Harlem Grown, an urban farming and youth mentorship organization. Through tours, conversations, and interaction with community members, students gained deeper insight into nonprofit operations, community needs, and pathways for future careers. 

For many participants, the trek provided clarity and inspiration as they consider how their academic interests connect to community impact and career possibilities. Many students emphasized how beneficial it was to hear personal stories, experiences, and honest opinions from people working directly in the field.

This trip is just one example of the type of experiential learning opportunities with alumni and community members that the centers aim to provide for students. Learn more about how the event went in this article.