Messiah College Community

The Messiah College-Philadelphia Campus is more than a physical extension of the College. It is also an extension of the College's mission and identity. Messiah's Philadelphia Campus aspires to enlighten students about diversity and urban issues such as prejudice, racism, and socioeconomic disparity in an attempt to "educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character, and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership, and reconciliation in church and society."

The college's foundational values also guide the developmental environment in which students live and learn. The small community at the Philadelphia campus seeks to support students and provide a secure atmosphere where students challenge and explore their individual strengths while identifying and appropriately addressing personal weaknesses and prejudices.

The small, close-knit atmosphere of the Messiah College-Philadelphia Campus fosters a community of accountability and acceptance among students, faculty, and staff. The faculty and staff encourage students to participate in urban service and discipline specific contextual learning opportunities such as internships as part of the educational enhancement they receive through attendance. These experiences allow students to incorporate believing with doing. The urban context provides an environment that unveils to students a new understanding of the importance of the person regardless of race, religion, ethnic background or socioeconomic status. Ultimately, students are challenged to demonstrate acceptance and relate grace to understanding the distinctive individuals and cultures that exist in a pluralistic society.