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. 

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.

Incoming First-Year Students, mark your calendars for LENS 2024: August 20-23, 2024! Applications for participants will be available in mid-April.

Returning students, please stay tuned for our leadership application, which will launch mid-March. 

Questions? Contact Anna Ryan-Bender, Director of Campus Ministry.