SP2 Scholars Program
Full-tuition scholarships and specialized, rigorous academic programming for master’s students
The SP2 Scholars Program at Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) is a competitive scholarship program for master’s students. The program is part of SP2’s ongoing commitment to the recruitment and retention of students with a particular interest in and demonstrated capacity for leadership in social good. Each year, a cohort of SP2 Scholars is selected from across the School’s three master’s programs.
Scholars receive full tuition benefits and are supported through an enriched structure of mentorship and additional training opportunities. SP2 Associate Professor Yoosun Park is faculty director of the program, and Jessie Harper is director.
Eligibility
To be eligible for consideration, the applicant must have:
- Applied by the priority deadline: December 1 to one of SP2’s three master’s degree programs: Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP), or Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL)
- Demonstrated an interest in and capacity for leadership in social good
- Capacity for and willingness to be active, full participants in all elements of the SP2 Scholars program
Application Process
The finalists will be chosen from the pool of eligible applicants (see Eligibility) and will be contacted directly by the admissions office to provide additional information.
Application Fee Waiver
Applicants to the MSW, MSSP, or NPL program(s) who are interested in being considered for the SP2 Scholars Program qualify for an application fee waiver. Email apply@sp2.upenn.edu with your name to receive a fee waiver.
“I see my work hopefully taking me in that direction towards policy reform that is led by the community that is most affected by the systems.”
Frequently asked questions
No separate application or additional materials are required.
Applicants to the Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP), and/or Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) program must apply by the priority deadline: December 1.
The online application for all master’s and doctoral programs opens in mid to late September of the year prior to your first term at SP2. You can read more about how to apply to SP2 here or access the online application here(opens in a new tab).
To be eligible for consideration, the applicant must have:
- Applied by December 1st to one of SP2’s three master’s degree programs: Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP), or Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL)
- Demonstrated an interest in and capacity for leadership in social good
- Capacity for and willingness to be active, full participants in all elements of the SP2 Scholars program
SP2 welcomed the first cohort of scholars in the fall of 2021, the second cohort in the fall of 2022, and the third cohort in fall of 2023.
A transformative $12.5 million commitment in support of SP2 announced in June 2022 will support the program and endow a new scholarship program focused on social innovation. The commitment will fund 12 full-tuition scholarships annually in leadership for social good and social innovation.
The support includes a $7.5 million commitment from an anonymous donor, one of the largest gifts ever made to SP2, to increase scholarships for graduate students who are committed to social good. This support is combined with an additional $5 million in matching funds from the University.
Students selected for the SP2 Scholars Program receive full tuition coverage for the duration of their program along with a small stipend for living expenses, and enhanced academic and supportive programming.
Scholars are expected to be active participants in all elements of the SP2 Scholars Program. Funding is contingent upon full participation in the following required activities:
Monthly Proseminars: An ongoing lecture and discussion series for professional development and community-building
Mentorship Program: Each student will be paired with a mentor, a Penn Faculty member or Senior Administrator, who is a leader in their field and can provide academic and career guidance and support.
Conferences/Trainings: Students will be provided with funds to travel to and attend a conference or another learning opportunity during each academic year they are enrolled in the program.
Enrichment Activities: A limited number of additional learning opportunities (e.g., field trips, school sponsored meetings, and other special events) will be scheduled through the academic year.