Eastern in the City (EIC) is a new program that has the mission “to facilitate transformation in the lives of individuals in urban communities by providing an accessible, affordable, faith-integrated education from which students earn an accredited Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts degree.” CCO staff member, Alaina Cronkright, serves as the Service-Learning Coordinator for the program. This position puts Alaina in direct contact with students as she works to place them at service-learning sites throughout communities in Philadelphia. Alaina also facilitates a student planning committee for a cross-cultural trip overseas, and works directly with student leaders on a variety of initiatives. As a staff member at Eastern in the City, as well as a campus worker, she has access to students on a daily basis. Her ministry has also included building personal relationships with students and being an encourager and mentor.
Eastern in the City is a brand new program that started in the fall of 2006, and it is overseen by Eastern University (located in St. Davids, Pennsylvania) and located on the campus of the School for Social Change in Center City Philadelphia. The classes offered are exactly the same as those offered on Eastern’s main campus, but in a different location and context. As of the spring of 2007, there will be approximately 40 students who will be in direct contact with this ministry throughout the semester. The program is a unique community of faculty, staff, and students who are striving to make a difference in the world around them.
