Students who major in human development and community engagement (HDCE) are passionate about advocating for their communities. Beyond the classroom, the Human Development and Community Engagement Association (HDCEA) at Temple University helps students connect with one another and find solutions.  

Through volunteer and professional development events, the student association encourages its members to create a positive impact in the community. This group, and others like it, is an example of how College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) students learn through practical experiences.  

"CEHD prepared me by truly focusing on professional development and understanding core concepts, rather than worrying about grades," shared Chloe Scozzafava. "Professors in the college are top-notch and care about our success and future." 

Senior and president of the HDCEA, Scozzafava is advancing her career in non-profits. She uses what she learns in and out of the classroom to engage with the community surrounding Temple, with the goal of becoming the executive director of a non-profit organization that serves children. 

"I've always been excited about volunteering and taking on leadership positions," shared Scozzafava. 

Prior to coming to Temple, Scozzafava also worked at Camelot for Children, a non-profit that serves children with disabilities. She has been there for eleven years and her involvement with this organization was what led her to Temple. 

Students across CEHD create strong bonds and support networks within organizations like HDCEA. "The HDCE program helps foster a family away from home for me and my classmates," she said. "Professors encourage creating strong bonds with classmates and everyone supports each other endlessly in our present and future endeavors."  

These relationships provide her with a strong foundation for her work in and around Temple. Scozzafava is also a student worker with the Leadership and Career Studies program at CEHD's Institute on Disabilities.  

When Scozzafava originally joined HDCEA, she wanted to make connections with like-minded students. Just as students returned to campus after the COVID-19 pandemic, the HDCEA needed a new executive board, so Scozzafava and the rest of the executive board of the HDCEA stepped up to lead.  

Scozzafava explains that these unexpected circumstances accelerated her leadership development, as the entire team was new and needed to adjust to life in-person again. "Even though I'm labeled 'president,' I see everyone on the executive board as an equal to me and make it a point that we are all in this together and that each person's voice is equally heard and important," added Scozzafava. 

Scozzafava's main goal for the organization is that "it continues to be a safe space where people can chat about their school, professional and personal lives and continues to create positive community-changing opportunities for Temple students." 

Any Temple University student may join HDCEA. Members are expected to attend at least one meeting per semester, and there are no dues. For more information, check out @temple_hdcea on Instagram.  

Interested in connecting with other students who want to make the world a better place? Learn more about the human development and community engagement major on the CEHD website. Read more here to be inspired by fellow CEHD students, faculty, staff and alumni.