Outreach

Celebrating 31 years of innovation, Saint Francis University's STEAM Day continues to inspire high school students with hands-on learning and discovery across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Since 1995, the Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids (R.O.C.K.) program at Saint Francis University has had an enormous impact, with over 3,700 events reaching over 86,000 school children and community members.

The Saint Francis University Community Blanketeers collected 264 blankets that will be distributed to sick and needy children in Cambria, Blair, and Somerset counties through the Healing Patch, Nurse-Family Partnership (Home Nursing Agency), and local fire companies.

Saint Francis University welcomed First Responders from across the state on Oct. 25, 2024 for the 3rd Annual First Responders Day. It was the university's largest First Responders Day celebration, with almost 20 organizations from the fire service, law enforcement, and emergency medical services participating.

The South Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the United Spinal Association and Laurel Medical Solutions hosted their third annual Wheelchair Wash and Tune on October 4th, 2024. Saint Francis University’s DPT Class of 2027 students assisted during the event, transferring patients and cleaning wheelchairs.

On October 18th, the Poverty Simulation Event gathered students and faculty from nursing, PT, social work, and public health to experience the challenges of poverty firsthand. Participants faced scenarios involving housing, healthcare, and limited resources, fostering empathy and raising awareness. The event highlighted the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and inspired attendees to take action in addressing poverty within their communities.

Michaela Smith, a 2016 Saint Francis University BSN graduate, recently served as a volunteer nurse for a two-week rotation in September with Mercy Ships, bringing healing and hope to communities in Sierra Leone, Africa.

Meet Bones and Booth: Saint Francis University's newest recruits are two precocious shelter cats who have set up residence in a specially outfitted cat room in the university library.

The Saint Francis University Community Blanketeers collection will begin September 11 and run through October 28, 2024.

On September 14, 2024, Brother Shamus will hit the trails of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, embarking on a ride that spans two weekends and covers over 98 miles. Each year, 100% of the charity ride proceeds are donated to the Dorothy Day Outreach Center with over 800,000 being raised since the inception of the bike ride.