The College marked its third annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day with a series of events on Thursday, Oct. 11. The day began with stories from a trafficking survivor. Other sessions included fair trade and its impact on human trafficking, how law enforcement and the courts are working together to combat human trafficking, and screenings of the documentary, "Not My Life," a film that  depicts the cruel and dehumanizing practices of human trafficking and modern slavery on a global scale. Faculty, staff and students gathered outside the Bonnell Building at 11:30 a.m. for the Campus Walk for Awareness: Red Sand Walk (#RedSandProject). Molly Gochman, artist and activist, started the Red Sand Project with the intent of raising awareness of human trafficking and exploitation. By utilizing red sand as a medium, participants are reminded of those suffering this form of modern day slavery.

Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who are born in the U.S., or by naturalization, have become citizens. The College recognized National Constitution Day on Sept. 17, where students were invited to learn more about the Constitution, register to vote, learn how to vote on a real voting machine from the City Commissioner's Office and complete a "Why I Vote" card to hang on our pledge wall. #CCPVotes

Student, faculty and staff volunteers welcomed new students and welcomed back returning students during Welcome Week. Students were greeted with cookies and coffee in the morning. In the afternoons, students on Main Campus were invited to chill out with ice cream, water ice and popcorn. Students with evening classes at all locations were invited to indulge in delicious college staples like pizza, pretzels and donuts. Welcome back, students!

On August 27, volunteers from the College were at Spring Garden School, an K-8 school in the College’s neighborhood, to cheer on students for their first day of school. Community College of Philadelphia adopted Spring Garden School this year as part of the School District of Philadelphia's Adopt-a-School program. Members of the College’s International Student Association and the Institute for Community Engagement and Civic Leadership operated a table outside of the school starting at 7:30 a.m., handing out coffee, doughnuts — and information about the College's programs. Altogether, College staff and students filled more that 200 backpacks, half of which will be delivered to Spring Garden School this week. Others will be donated to students in western Nigeria and to local students as needed.