Aiming High and Seeing the Future Through LeBow’s Pre-College Programs
The presence of middle- and high-school-aged students on Drexel’s University City campus always enlivens the summer months. Two long-running pre-college programs at LeBow brought some life to Gerri C. LeBow Hall in recent weeks while providing an introduction to college-level concepts and potential paths for future studies and careers.
NAIOP-Drexel Summer Real Estate Program
Designed for rising high school juniors and seniors — specifically first-generation, low-income students, and those with a demonstrated interest in commercial real estate (CRE) — the NAIOP-Drexel Summer Real Estate Program marked its seventh year of introducing participants to various CRE career paths including architecture, engineering, construction, brokerage, development and finance.
Hosted at Drexel University and sponsored by NAIOP Greater Philadelphia, along with industry partners committed to diversifying the talent pipeline, this year’s program welcomed 28 students. In addition to classroom instruction, participants engaged in hands-on site visits to notable Philadelphia locations: Lincoln Financial Field, Schuylkill Yards, the Navy Yard and Wexford’s uCity Square. Students explored the Drexel campus and the city of Philadelphia, culminating in a final model case competition where they applied their learning in a collaborative, competitive format. Undergraduate students in LeBow’s BRIDGE program served as student ambassadors, dedicating 10 days to providing mentorship, leadership, and peer support throughout the program.
Deon Algee, a second-year student majoring in finance, called his time as a student ambassador “an amazing experience.”
“Watching the students grow and get excited about commercial real estate reminded me a lot of my younger self when I was just starting out,” he says. “It felt good to give the participants the kind of guidance I wish I had back then.”
Building BRIDGEs
Now in its ninth year, the Building BRIDGEs Middle School Camp welcomed students from across Philadelphia for a week-long experience centered on overall wellness, with a special focus on financial literacy.
Throughout the week, students learned about budgeting, creating business plans, teamwork, and public speaking. The program concluded with a wellness-themed small business pitch competition, where campers presented their ideas to peers and staff.
The camp also included enrichment activities such as a field trip to The Franklin Institute, a day of recreation at the Drexel University Recreation Center – including a visit to the famed rock-climbing wall – and sessions on self-defense and social media safety led by Drexel Police.
Building BRIDGEs made possible through the generosity of Drexel alumni, Stradley Ronon, the LeBow BRIDGE program and Drexel Police. Once again, LeBow BRIDGE scholars served as ambassadors, giving back to the community by supporting the next generation of students.
Joseph Cooke III, a second-year student majoring in finance, found himself inspired as he saw campers prepare their presentations.
“Watching them step out of their comfort zones, whether rock climbing, practicing self-defense, or engaging in public speaking, was inspiring,” he says. “Spending a week as a camp ambassador reminded me of the power of mentorship and the importance of investing in the next generation.”
