SEPTA’s SCOPE (Safety, Cleaning, Ownership, Partnership, and Engagement) program proudly welcomed its largest cohort (21 participants) of Drexel University College of Medicine students on September 30, 2024. Among them are students with EMT and paramedic training who will undoubtedly provide invaluable support to SCOPE outreach workers as they engage with the vulnerable population on the transit system.
This marks the fourth year SEPTA and Drexel University have partnered.
SCOPE has been a vital part of SEPTA’s efforts to address homelessness and connect individuals to services. In 2023 SCOPE outreach workers engaged with the vulnerable population 84,000 times, and this year they have already surpassed 98,000 – a testament to the program’s ongoing success.
The students are part of Drexel’s Health Advocacy Practicum and were given the opportunity to choose from 60 community-based sites for their practicum. Out of the 268 students who started this year – 21 opted for SEPTA/SCOPE. SEPTA Director of Outreach Programs Ken Divers expressed his gratitude that the students chose the SCOPE program and is excited for the upcoming year. He welcomed the students during their orientation and gave them a tour of Suburban Station.
The Drexel students will be stationed at key SEPTA locations including 69th Street Transit Center and Suburban Station and along the Market-Frankford Line [L]. Their work will focus on engaging vulnerable individuals, referring them to services, and providing basic medical supplies – while gaining firsthand experience in trauma-informed care.
This new group of students strengthens SEPTA’s outreach efforts and creates a safer and more supportive transit environment for SEPTA riders, employees, and partners.