The Chester Community Fellowship (CCF) —a signature Lang Center program funded through the Swarthmore Foundation— enhances the capacity of Chester-based community organizations while providing opportunities for student learning. Students hold internships four days a week, and on the fifth day, work together on a project-in-common relevant to the City of Chester. This summer experience focuses on developing each Chester Fellow as a scholar, civic leader, and public servant.

Community Partner Highlight: Ruth L. Bennett Community Farm

The Ruth L. Bennett Community Farm is a CCF partner organization where many fellows interested in food systems, urban agriculture, and more enjoy interning each summer. This educational farm and environmental center is a two-acre hub for food access and community growth in Chester, PA. Chester Community Fellows help tend plants, harvest produce, manage food distributions, participate in workshops with local experts, and mentor Chester youth employed with the farm for the summer.

For summer 2025, CCF will award grants of $6,000 to highly motivated students to support a 10-week full-time summer internship with the Ruth Bennett Community Farm and various other Chester-based organizations. Applications will be open January 15, 2025 - February 15, 2025.

Interested students should schedule an advising appointment with Ashley Henry to learn more about how to apply.