Purposeful Contributions
From students volunteering more than 68,000 hours each year to serve the local community, to fostering partnerships and driving investments, Lehigh is committed to making an enduring impact and a better tomorrow for Bethlehem.
J. William
Reynolds
Lehigh's partnership is vital. Their Southside engagement—Ambassadors, Arts District, Southside Bethlehem Keystone Innovation Zone—builds a better Bethlehem for everyone.
Investing in a Vibrant Quality of Life
$1M+
Investing in a vibrant community
Investing in a vibrant community
An approximate annual investment aims to enhance community health, economic development and cultural vibrancy.
Driving Meaningful, Lasting Impact
Our students, faculty and staff engage in meaningful work in South Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley through educational programs, community service and local initiatives.
Homework Club
Homework Club is a volunteer-driven program where Lehigh students provide after-school academic support and mentorship to local elementary and middle school students. It fosters meaningful community connections while helping young learners build confidence and improve their academic skills.
Lehigh University Autism Services
Lehigh University offers specialized autism services through its Autism Services Clinic, providing individualized assessment, intervention and support for children and their families. The clinic also serves as a training and research site, promoting evidence-based practices in autism care.
STEM Explorers at Lehigh
A hands-on, engaging summer program that invites middle school students — especially those from underrepresented groups — to discover the exciting world of science, technology, engineering and math through creative challenges, lab experiments and mentorship from Lehigh students and faculty.
Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation
Lehigh partners with Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO) to advance innovation, economic opportunity and neighborhood revitalization in South Bethlehem. Together, they support initiatives like the KIZ, SouthSide Arts District and SouthSide Ambassadors.
Community Initiatives
We believe that these partnerships can enhance the university's core research and teaching mission and can, at the same time, empower residents and local institutions. We believe that by sharing knowledge, we can work together to create a stronger and more vibrant city and a more dynamic society.
The Community Voices Clinic (CVC) is a school-based mental health clinic operating within the family centers at Donegan Elementary and Broughal Middle schools. The CVC embraces core principles of evidence-based practice, multicultural competence and social justice in all of its activities.
The Lehigh Valley Social Impact Fellowship (LVSIF) is a multidisciplinary program where Lehigh students collaborate with faculty and community partners to address local social and environmental challenges. Through project-based learning, students work on real-world initiatives that support equity, sustainability and community well-being across the Lehigh Valley.
The Mountaintop Initiative's mission is to advance solutions that support long-term term sustainable change in Lehigh’s operations, academics, administration and community. The goal is to meet the evolving challenges of a changing world, mitigate the effects of climate change and develop and empower future leaders.
Stories from Our Community
Embracing a Transformative Future
The Bethlehem Farmers’ Market, hosted by Lehigh University at Farrington Square, supports local vendors and provides fresh, seasonal goods to the community—fostering campus-community connections and promoting healthy, sustainable living in South Bethlehem.
The South Side Sale is an annual Lehigh University initiative that collects and resells donated student items to support local nonprofits. It promotes sustainability, reduces waste, and strengthens Lehigh’s commitment to the area community.
Musikfest is a major annual music festival held in Bethlehem, celebrating arts and culture. Lehigh University supports the event through sponsorships, student involvement and community engagement, reinforcing its role in enriching South Bethlehem’s cultural life.
Victory House of Lehigh Valley supports homeless men and veterans through housing and services. Lehigh University partners through student volunteering, service-learning and donations—strengthening community ties and addressing local needs with compassion and impact.
Lehigh professors and students conduct vital air quality research monitoring pollutants, analyzing trends, and developing solutions that support healthier communities and a cleaner environment in our backyard and beyond.