The Graduate Student Association of the Jefferson College of Life Sciences is committed to serving the Philadelphia community, especially by fostering scientific education. Our goal as an organization of graduate and pre-doctoral students is to have a positive impact on our local community. We strive to do that by partnering with local efforts to provide students with opportunities to use their various talents to serve the community.

Each year our organization hosts a donation-based Fall Charity Raffle and donates the proceeds to a local charity or nonprofit committed to the wellbeing, advancement, and/or education of the Philadelphia community. Many locally owned Philadelphia area businesses graciously donate raffle items, and the proceeds from the raffle are donated to the designated charity or nonprofit for that year.

In past years, we have donated to Philabundance, Jefferson's Ramily Market, Science Education Academy, and Philadelphia Area Girls Enjoying Science (PAGES). Our goal is to donate funds and supplies to local charities and nonprofits who reflect Jefferson's values of putting people first, and improving lives.

Interested in donating? Email GSA@students.jefferson.edu to find out how to donate to this year’s Fall Charity Raffle.

We also participate in several service-oriented events throughout the year. In past years, representatives have participated in the Science Education Academy Stem-a-thon, during which GSA members helped guide science experiments for kids and presented posters about their research to the children and their parents. GSA members have also run a booth at the Philadelphia Science Festival and lead fun, hands-on experiments for kids to foster a love of science and encourage science education from an early age.

There are many ways to get involved with outreach and service through GSA. Look for opportunities in the GSA's bi-monthly newsletter or email GSA@students.jefferson.edu to learn more.