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Tri-Co Philly Program

Department Overview

Tri-Co Philly Program Logo

The Tri-Co Philly Program is a cohort-based program that offers urban-focused, experiential classes taught in Philadelphia. As part of the experience, students also participate in monthly cohort activities to connect with Philadelphia and fellow students across the Tri-Co.

The city setting provides a sense of place to enhance the classroom experience, helping students from Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore Colleges learn firsthand how course material is informed by the environment around them. Speakers and representatives from organizations are invited guests in the classes, and students explore the city through neighborhood tours, trips to museums, and work with various community-based groups.

Students who will be second-semester first years, sophomores, juniors or seniors in the semester they enroll are eligible to participate in the program.. Students in the program take two Philadelphia-focused courses in the city and participate in monthly cohort activities to connect with Philadelphia and fellow students across the Tri-Co. Tri-Co students outside of the program cohort may enroll in one of the program’s courses.  Learn how to apply.

For more information, please contact Calista Cleary at 610-795-1576 or ccleary1@swarthmore.edu.

 

Students viewing art

Students on a guided tour at Asian Arts Initiative.

group of students displaying their art

Tri-Co Philly students displaying their work after a screen printing workshop at the Fabric Workshop and Museum.

student group shot at restaurant

End-of-semester celebration and lunch at Casa Mexico and conversation with owner, chef and immigrants-rights activist Cristina Martinez. 

students at parade

Tri-Co Philly students participating in Día de los Muertos procession in South Philly. 10.29.23

students outside an art gallery

Students at a gallery and neighborhood Tour at Taller Puerrtoriqueño in North Philadelphia’s Fairhill neighborhood.

students in a community garden

Fall 2022 Tri-Co Philly students & faculty at Cesar Andreú Iglesias Community Garden with artist and activist Cesar Viveros. 10.17.22

students eating lunch

Tri-Co Philly students enjoying a ramen lunch.

students in a park setting working on art

Monuments and Public Space, a studio art course at the Elkins Estate/Farmer Jawn site brainstorming ideas for the House of the Living, an art installation centered on victims of gun violence in Philadelphia.

students on a guided tour of Philly

Tri-Co Philly students prior to guided tour at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. 9.9.22

Students on a guided tour at Asian Arts Initiative.

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