A WELCOMING STUDENT COMMUNITY
Community is more than just a commitment; it’s at the very core of SP2.
Now and throughout our history, the School of Social Policy & Practice has been dedicated to fairness, enhancing the social good, and making our world a better place through practice, policy and research.
Our students, from an array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, embody these values in both theory and practice. They bring them to life every day by engaging in innovative policy and research, doing work that makes a real difference here in Philadelphia and beyond.
Students Making a Difference
From working on refugee resettlement policy to exploring housing issues, our students are making an impact on social issues faced by people from an array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
One Book, One SP2
Each year, SP2 selects a book to be read by students, faculty, staff, and alumni prior to beginning the academic year. Throughout the school year, the community is invited to participate in activities and discussions related to that year’s work. One Book, One SP2 underscores our commitment to community building and fostering social good.
RESEARCH
Research at SP2
Student organizations
Connecting with Peers
SP2 is home to student organizations devoted to supporting one another.
Events
02/10
Making Secondary Data Work for You: Innovative Methods for Leveraging National Violent Death Data
Secondary data offers powerful opportunities for research—but it also comes with constraints. How can scholars push beyond these limitations? Join experts Millan AbiNader, PhD, MSW, Laurie Graham, PhD, MSW, and Julie Kafka, PhD, MPH for a dynamic discussion on innovative methods for analyzing intimate partner violence-related fatalities using the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS).
Events
02/17
![Petersen.m[final]](https://sp2.upenn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Petersen.MFinal-496x271.jpg)
The Art of Successful Fundraising: Stories and Strategies That Lead to a YES
Are you thinking about a career in fundraising – or know that it will be part of your future nonprofit role? Imagine starting this work with the real-world insights most […]
News
Faculty & Research
01/28
Planning ahead in an age of longevity
Tamara J. Cadet of the School of Social Policy & Practice discusses strategies for preparing—financially and physically— for an extended lifespan.