Chestnut Hill College recognizes and values the importance of service to our 'Dear Neighbors,' both here in our College community and in the local community in Philadelphia. It is with this in mind that we have introduced the Leaders ENgaged in Service (LENS) program at Chestnut Hill College. LENS is a unique early move-in program for incoming first-year students who value service, social justice, and community. This is an impactful opportunity for new CHC students to get to know Philadelphia and our CHC community.
"Participating in LENS has been incredibly enriching in expanding my context and understanding of Philadelphia. Engaging with the city has allowed me to see its diverse communities, challenges, and strengths up close. Through this lens, I've deepened my connection to the CHC community and gained a greater appreciation for the complexities of addressing systemic social injustices." - 2023 LENS participant
Students accepted into the LENS program come to campus early to participate in a four-day service-immersion in Philadelphia with our community partners and Sisters of St. Joseph sponsored works. Students will participate in community service, along with structured reflection activities, and leadership development. With a focus on social justice, the LENS program uses a model of servant leadership to recognize and respond to issues of social inequality in our society. In addition, LENS students have time to explore the fun things our city has to offer! We build plenty of time into the schedule to discover many of Philadelphia’s social and cultural gems.
CHC Class of 2028, mark your calendars for LENS 2024: August 20-23, 2024! APPLY HERE TODAY! The application will close on Friday, August 9 at noon.
Tuesday, August 20
9:00 AM – Move in (until 12:00 PM)
11:30 AM – Commuter student arrival
12:00 PM – Optional lunch in the caf
1:00 PM - LENS Welcome Ceremony in the Chapel (families welcome)
2:00 PM – Orientation and Community-building
3:00 PM – Service (dinner included)
7:00 PM - Small group reflection
7:30 PM – End of day unstructured community time on campus
Wednesday, August 21
9:00 AM – Breakfast
9:30 AM – Leave campus
10:30 AM – Philadelphia destination (lunch included)
1:00 PM – Service (dinner included)
7:00 PM - Small group reflection
7:30 PM – End of day unstructured community time on campus
Thursday, August 22
9:00 AM – Breakfast
9:30 AM – Leave campus
10:30 AM – Service (lunch included)
1:00 PM – Philadelphia destination (dinner included)
7:00 PM - Small group reflection
7:30 PM – End of day unstructured community time on campus
Friday, August 23
9:00 AM – Breakfast
9:30 AM – Leave campus
10:30 AM – Service (lunch included)
2:00 PM – Closing reflection
How do I apply for LENS, and when is the application due?
Apply to LENS via this link. Applications are due by noon on Friday, August 9.
How long does the LENS Program last?
LENS 2024 runs from Tuesday, August 20 through Friday, August 23
Does the program run all day?
Yes, the program runs from approximately 9 AM to 8 PM.
What kind of service can be expected?
Service varies per site! Service could look like preparing bagged lunches, cleaning and gardening at a local garden, all while engaging with the community members at the site.
Are meals provided?
Yes! Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all provided. Students with meal plans with use those for breakfast in the cafeteria. Students without meal plans will be covered by the program.
I have a job. Can I work during the week of LENS?
The LENS schedule is full, and it is not possible for students to also work Tuesday through Friday of the program week. In the past, students with jobs have taken off work in advance because they knew the program dates and were able to share them with their supervisor.
Can I miss part of the LENS Program for a doctors appointment (or other off campus appointment)?
No. We ask that students participating in LENS clear the whole week of other activities and appointments so that you are able to engage fully in the experience.
Why should I sign up for LENS?
Opportunity to move in early and get acclimated before classes start
Explore the Philadelphia through service
Get to learn about the mission and values of CHC
Being able to build community with fellow first-years/upperclassmen!
Who can I contact for more information?
Anna Ryan-Bender, Director of Campus Ministry (ryan-bendera@chc.edu) or S. Michelle Lesher SSJ, Chief Officer for Mission and Ministry (lesherm@chc.edu)
We have an amazing student leadership team working hard to make LENS 2024 an unforgetable experience!
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Lizzy Figiel '27(Undecided) |
Matt Taylor '27(Business) |
Mia Victoria Jones '27(Psychology) |
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John Patterson '27(Media & Communications) |
Bill Nguyen '27(Computer Science) |
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CHC Class of 2028, mark your calendars for LENS 2024: August 20-23, 2024! APPLY HERE TODAY! The application will close on Friday, August 9 at noon.
