About this course

West Chester University – Bachelor of Arts in Urban Community Change (CLP)

West Chester University offers two CLP-affiliated programs – a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Community Change and a minor in Youth Empowerment & Urban Studies. Both programs are housed at the Rustin Urban Community Change Axis (RUCCAS). RUCCAS is a hub that provides renewal and resources for Philly metro region urban change-makers and pathways to community change careers for traditional and returning students locally, nationally and internationally. 

Latest Information:

We create credential-bearing educational pipelines for young, emerging, and mid-career community change makers, including:

• Urban Community Change (RUX, pronounced “ruckus”) major: The courses for this 39-credit interdisciplinary undergraduate major build students’ knowledge, skills, commitment and vision concerning community and social change, preparing them for jobs or further education in this field or in cross-sector professions that value these competencies. Learn more about course listings.
• Youth Empowerment & Urban Studies (YES): An 18-credit interdisciplinary, place-based academic minor for students in any major.  The mission of YES is to amplify through study and action a critical understanding of the role youth can play in social change.  The overall goals of the YES program are to contribute to making real community-based change in our local urban areas, especially the City of Philadelphia, and to develop “change-makers”: individuals who have the skills and knowledge to contribute as citizens, including increasing educational and political access for themselves and others.

Testimonials From Current Participants and Alum

WCU is a rolling admissions university.  Feel free to contact the RUCCAS Director to discuss your interests, whether you are a traditional high school student, a returning student, or a transfer student.

• Request information about the Bachelor of Arts in Urban Community Change here.  
• Request information about the Youth Empowerment and Urban Studies (YES) Minor here.
• Learn about how to enroll in West Chester University here.

Read more about our program here.

Community Partners and Funders

• 12Plus – (KHSA, Penn Treaty and HFWA)
• Breakthrough
• Caucus of Working Educators
• Coatesville Youth Initiative
• FabYouthPhilly
• The Garage Community Center
• Girls Rock Philly
• iCamp
• Mighty Writers
• Need in Deed
• Pennsylvania Student Power
• PhillyCAM
• POWER
• ​WHYY (Education)
• Youth Art and Self Empowerment Project
• YouthBuild Charter School
• Youth United for Change