About this course

Bachelor of Arts in Urban Community Change and a minor in Youth Empowerment & Urban Studies

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.  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

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

Latest Information

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.