By Kim Glovas

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A group of college students from Flint, Mich. is in town this week, clowning around for a good cause.

The eight honors students from Mott Community College are doing community service in Philadelphia as clowns, promoting an anti-bullying agenda.

The students and their clown professor were at the Independence Visitors Center to stir up some interest in their show later this Saturday at the Old First Reformed Church, 4th and Race Streets in Old City.

“We will be here for the week doing some elementary (school) anti-bully shows and doing a free public show on Saturday, where kids and families can come get their face painted, get some balloon animals made, see some magic, have a good time,” explains student Diane Laski, also known as Kiwi the Clown.

It’s all part of a course they are taking, Social Diversity and Civic Engagement.  As part of the course, each student must develop a unique clown character complete with a clown name, costume, and make-up.

The clowns will also be appearing this week at the Veterans Administration Center, the Philly Art Center, and the West Oak Lane library.

Dr. Brian Ivory, a graduate of the Ringling Brothers Clown College, teaches the course.   Two graduates of the class have gone on to become professional clowns.