At a Glance

Identity
The Harrisburg Institute is a collaborative program of Messiah College linking urban learning and service through a living-learning community, coursework, and research. The College’s downtown presence provides residential housing, classroom, and office space. The Institute is located at the corner of Dewberry and Blackberry Streets, just south of Strawberry Square in the city of Harrisburg.

Who is involved
Messiah College Students — through living in the city of Harrisburg
Messiah College Faculty — through coursework taught and research opportunities provided
Community Organizations — through partnerships with Messiah College’s students and faculty

Across the work of the Institute:
• 25 students and one professional live and learn at the Harrisburg Institute,
• More than 15 community organizations are involved in projects prompted by the Institute,
• 12 faculty are presently involved in Institute-engaged community projects,
• More than 150 Harrisburg School District secondary school students have been involved in Institute-inspired projects.

What we do
A living-learning community encourages students to experience one another and Harrisburg through service and purposeful involvement.

Academic coursework serves the Messiah College student. The focus of coursework is urban studies.

Research programs partner with community organizations to link the
College’s unique human resources with the needs of urban Harrisburg.

Contacts
Craig Dalen, director of community life
cdalen@messiah.edu
717-796-4785

David Hietala, director of Harrisburg Institute;
assistant professor of urban studies
dhietala@messiah.edu
717-796-4787

Jill Osielski, grant project coordinator
josielski@messiah.edu
717-796-4765