Well Connected Communities

The Well Connected Communities (WCC) program is a Penn State Extension partnership between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the National 4-H Council; it includes 15 land-grant universities across the nation, all focusing on up to three communities within their states. 

In Pennsylvania, WCC aims to support coalition building in Norris Square, Philadelphia, Aliquippa, Beaver County, and Lebanon City to help set a direction for positive change around health challenges in each community. These challenges are defined using county health and census track data and conversations with community members and local leaders.

This website contains stories and impacts of WCC across the state of PA. The stories range from youth lead food distribution efforts to community garden accomplishments to collaborative steps to confront food deserts.

Penn State Extension Philadelphia Community Engagement InternshipStudent interns bring great energy, curiosity, and openness to an Extension office. They serve as a reminder to staff of the importance of the work we are privileged to be engaged in.

Norris Square Neighborhood ProfileOur Norris Square neighborhood profile project aims to clarify and lift-up the voices of community members and stakeholders to emphasize community strengths, (hidden) assets, challenges within Norris Square and opportunities for youth engagement.

Addressing the Food Desert Issue in AliquippaAs part of the Well Connected Communities program, Penn State Extension Educators are working collaboratively with community leaders to address the food desert issue in Aliquippa.

Revitalizing a Community Garden in Lebanon CountyLebanon County is the newest Pennsylvania community to be awarded funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as part of the Well-Connected Communities project.

The Wonderful Mobilization of 4-H!As part of the Well Connected Communities program, Penn State Extension has been working with community leaders, 4-H families, and local 4-H youth to meet the food needs in Norris Square.

4-H, Norris Square Community Alliance promote food security in Philadelphia
4-H, a nationwide youth-development program administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, empowers and educates children and young adults across the commonwealth — a mission that naturally attracts generous, caring, and dedicated employees.

Penn State Extension promotes youth leadership in enhancing community health
Three Pennsylvania communities are working to develop youth leadership, enhance local food systems, and create healthier populations through a project led by Penn State Extension and supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.