“Everything works out and just seems to fall into place. The experiences of the city, the unique and engaging classes, and the internship opportunities created the best semester I could have ever wished for.”
Missy Ricketts, Alma College
Spring 2005
Domus, Inc., Marketing and Advertising Intern
Our History
The Philadelphia Center (TPC) is one of the nation’s oldest experiential education programs. Founded by the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA) in 1967 and managed by Hope College, TPC has helped more than 6,700 students from over 80 colleges and 50 countries discover their personal and professional direction in life. We have more than 800 internships available for almost any major and offer students a 16 week semester program and an 8 week summer program. Students receive academic credit for the successful completion of their internship and academic coursework.
Small changes have been made to enrich the program throughout the years, but the original philosophy and elements – full-time faculty advisors, field placement, coursework, and independent urban living – have been maintained. This unique and dynamic structure enables students to realize their objectives, values, and abilities, especially around issues of work and career. Students’ personal life skills are also developed as they discover what it means to live independently in a large metropolitan area.
When The Philadelphia Center was founded, few people understood what “internship” and “experiential education” meant. Today, these terms are integral to the national education agenda. TPC is proud to have been instrumental in promoting these changes, and, after more than 40 years, to remain a leader in the field.