Noah Smeriglio
Widener University
Noah Smeriglio is a sophomore chemical engineering major at Widener University. As a PSC Bonner Leader, Noah is an advocate for youth, developing new after-school programming and inspiring his peers to join him as mentors in the community. Serving as a coach-mentor for Soccer for Success, Noah co-developed a new program called Design FC, in partnership with Swarthmore College and the Philadelphia Union. Design FC combines athletics with art and seeks to be inclusive of all students. Noah’s expertise is in logistics, specifically both finances and operations.
Noah believes that the key to the success of a community is its youth. When the youth are given the best opportunities to excel, it allows for the community to grow. Noah is also a volunteer firefighter, where he provides emergency services for any community member in need.
Noah is an outstanding student leader at Widener University fulfilling roles such as an Alternative Spring Break site leader, the outreach coordinator for the Chemistry Club, and a CREW orientation leader captain. Noah has been a member of the Dean’s list every semester and is a member of the engineering honors program, and the honors program in general education.
Personal Statement
As a third-generation volunteer firefighter, I have seen what happens when people are driven down difficult paths. After witnessing first-hand the effects of drug use, including in my own family, I made it my goal to help the youth avoid that path, as well as respond to local emergencies. Through personal experience and statistical evidence, I found that after-school programs play an important role in lowering crime over time. Thus, I have dedicated myself to breaking cycles of inequality by working with young impressionable students and serving as a positive role model.
As a PSC Bonner Leader, I serve 300 hours each year as a site leader at Soccer for Success (S.F.S.). S.F.S. works with youth in Chester to emphasize healthy habits and build character. As a program director, I have been able to co-develop a new set of programming that combines soccer with design skills called Design FC. In this role, I create and implement programming, and develop strategy to grow the impact of the program throughout the region.
After college, I plan to continue combine my commitment for long-term civic engagement in a purposeful career in law. I intend be a life-long advocate fighting educational injustice.
