Widener University

Widener University is a nationally-recognized, private university where academics, leadership and service matter. Founded in 1821, Widener is among the nation’s top universities for civic engagement.

As early as freshmen year, students apply what they learn in the classroom to hands-on service projects that address real-world issues. Co-curricular experiences and resources include Alternative Spring Break, Community Fellows and Engineers without Borders. Widener partners with service organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the national service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega on community development projects around the world.

Widener offers liberal arts and sciences and professional programs leading to associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. At Widener, their belief is that academic excellence, career preparation, and civic engagement lead to success.

The university's close-knit community includes top-notch teachers, nationally renowned researchers, and students from 22 states and 26 countries who are passionate about learning, leadership, and making a difference. When they’re not engaged in experiential learning assignments, students and faculty members lend a hand through community service projects in their hometown of Chester and in communities around the world.

The Childhood Development Center is one of the hallmarks of Widener's community outreach effort to create a learning environment that connects their curriculum with societal issues through civic engagement.

Offering preschool, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten programs, the Childhood Development Center provides families in the city of Chester with early learning opportunities for their children, while serving as a learning laboratory for student-teachers in Widener's Center for Education, as well as in-the-field learning for future social workers earning degrees through Widener's Center for Social Work.