Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) has announced the selection of “Technology for Good: How Nonprofit Leaders Are Using Software and Data to Solve Our Most Pressing Social Problems” by Jim Fruchterman as its 2026 – 2027 One Book, One SP2 choice.

“Technology for Good” offers a compelling vision for how technology can advance social impact. A MacArthur award recipient, former rocket engineer, and leader in the social enterprise movement, Fruchterman provides a practical guide for leaders seeking to build, grow, and strengthen organizations that use software and data to address complex social challenges.

In the book, Fruchterman makes the case that technology is essential for achieving social change at scale. He outlines strategies for structuring, funding, staffing, managing, and sustaining technology-driven nonprofit organizations. Drawing on real-world examples, including many from outside the United States, the book highlights organizations that have successfully leveraged technology for social good and shares lessons learned from the author’s own experience as a tech-for-good entrepreneur.

Now in its eighth year, One Book, One SP2 is a school-wide reading initiative designed to strengthen community and foster dialogue among students, alumni, faculty, and staff. The featured book is selected through a community-wide survey, and the program includes opportunities for engagement throughout the academic year, including small-group discussions at the start of the fall semester.

“Technology will continue to be pervasive in exponential ways and transform how we work and live our daily lives,” says Associate Dean for Community Cultivation & Engagement Dr. Jerri Bourjolly, who leads the initiative. “The book, ‘Technology for Good’ inspires us to creatively think of ways to use these innovations to tackle our most pressing social problems for the good of society. It will be a very interesting topic to spark dialogue and reflection in our coming academic year!”