That’s because the program, which offers low-cost classes for members of the community, relocated from Anderson Hall to dedicated space at the Entertainment and Community Service Center on Cecil B. Moore Avenue. Staff members and volunteers worked throughout the summer to move PASCEP offices to the new space and prepare for the start of classes, said Willie Rogers, the program’s director.

In addition to the extra room — Pearson Hall and 1700 N. Broad Street are also being used for PASCEP — the move has brought added conveniences that have improved the experience for the program’s participants, Rogers said.


“We no longer have to move desks to have our dance classes,” he said. “We also have a dedicated space for our home improvement class, where people can learn to hang windows and do other home improvements.”

The move has brought other benefits as well, according to Rogers. For one thing, PASCEP is now more directly accessible via public transportation. And, with the additional classroom space, the program now offers classes from 5 to 7 p.m. in addition to its long-standing 7 to 9 p.m. schedule.

PASCEP has been a part of Temple’s community education offerings since its founding by Annie D. Hyman in 1975. Offerings include general education degree programs, African history and numerology courses, and foreign language instruction.

The move was designed to give PASCEP students a more collegiate experience and to increase the program’s visibility, while creating space for Temple’s expanding General Education program in Anderson Hall. It is also consistent with the university’s overall strategy to strengthen ties between Temple and community residents, said L. Harrison Jay, Temple’s director of community relations.

“The community education center is the portal by which the university connects to the community,” he said. “It was designed to provide this type of programming, so it makes sense for PASCEP to have its home here.”


About 740 students have enrolled for courses this semester, said Jay, but greater numbers are expected next

semester as community members become aware of the program’s new location and recognize that it continues to offer the same slate of classes it has always been known for.

PASCEP officials are currently developing next semester’s offerings, which will include GED classes in addition to classes in yoga, Pilates, political organizing and poetry.

For more information on PASCEP, contact Rogers at 215-204-3448 or visit the program’s web site at www.temple.edu/pascep.