INFO FOR
Visitors
Welcome to the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice! Relevant information about SP2 and its role within Penn is provided in the links below. Please explore throughout the website to learn more about the dynamic ways SP2’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni pursue social innovation, impact, and justice.
About SP2
Welcome to the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2)! For more than 110 years, SP2 has been a powerful force for good in the world, working towards social justice and social change through research and practice. SP2 contributes to the advancement of more effective, efficient, and humane human services through education, research, and civic engagement. The passionate pursuit of social innovation, impact, and justice is at the heart of the School’s knowledge-building activities.
Academics
SP2 prepares students to become leaders, policy makers, practitioners, educators, activists, and more. Students draw on the numerous resources the University of Pennsylvania has to offer, immersing themselves in a program that is equal parts analytical and practical. It’s an education and an experience that equips students to harness the power of policy and practice to make lasting positive change.
Research
Research at SP2 is led by renowned faculty who are highly respected practitioners, educators, and mentors. Together with a worldwide network of global collaborators, they are advancing knowledge that drives justice, equity, and social innovation in a range of critical areas such as homelessness, restorative entrepreneurship, and more.
Make a Difference
Financial support enables the School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) to offer a unique, world-class education that brings together rigorous academics, meaningful field experiences, and a deep commitment to exploring and addressing axes of inequality. With your gift, we can provide our students and faculty with all the resources and support they need to learn, teach, practice – and dedicate their careers to fighting for change and positive impact.
University of Pennsylvania
As America’s first university, Penn has a history that dates back to 1740. Today, Penn students gain an unparalleled education in four undergraduate and 12 graduate schools.
Directions
The Facilities website also has directions for getting to the University of Pennsylvania by airplane, train, or car, as well as information about where to park, and lodging and restaurants in the area. They also have many maps of the Penn campus. The School of Social Policy & Practice is located in the Caster Building – a map with the Caster Building is available from which you can zoom out to get larger maps of the campus.
By Car
From the Northeast via the New Jersey Turnpike South
Use Exit 4. Bear right out of the toll following signs to Philadelphia and Ben Franklin Bridge. After crossing the bridge take I-676 West, to I-76 East, the Schuylkill Expressway. Before this ramp merges onto I-76, take the 30th Street Station exit (345) which empties onto a one-way street that bends left becoming 30th Street. Go through one light (JFK Blvd.), then turn right onto Market Street. Proceed 4 blocks and turn left onto 34th Street. Entrance to a Penn public parking garage is on the left just before the next traffic light at 34th and Chestnut.
From the West via the Pennsylvania Turnpike
On the PA turnpike, use Exit 326, the Valley Forge Interchange. Take I-76 East for approximately 16 miles until Exit 345, a right lane exit marked 30th Street. The exit empties onto a one-way street that bends left becoming 30th Street. Go through one light (JFK Blvd.), then turn right onto Market Street. Proceed 4 blocks and turn left onto 34th Street. Entrance to a Penn public parking garage is on the left just before the next traffic light at 34th and Chestnut.
From the North via I-95 South
Use the I-676/Center City Philadelphia Exit. Follow signs to I-676 West, the Vine Street Expressway. Take I-676 West until I-76 East, the Schuylkill Expressway. Before this ramp merges onto I-76, take the 30th Street Station exit (345) which empties onto a one-way street that bends left becoming 30th Street. Go through one light (JFK Blvd.), then turn right onto Market Street. Proceed 4 blocks and turn left onto 34th Street. Entrance to a Penn public parking garage is on the left just before the next traffic light at 34th and Chestnut.
From the South via I-95 North
Use the I-676/Center City Philadelphia Exit which is approximately 7 miles north of the airport. Follow I-676 West, the Vine Street Expressway, until I-76 East, the Schuylkill Expressway. Before this ramp merges onto I-76, take the 30th Street Station exit (345) which empties onto a one-way street that bends left becoming 30th Street. Go through one light (JFK Blvd.), then turn right onto Market Street. Proceed 4 blocks and turn left onto 34th Street. Entrance to a Penn public parking garage is on the left just before the next traffic light at 34th and Chestnut.
Train and Bus Service
Intercity rail service to Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station is provided by Amtrak. Frequent service is offered to Northeastern cities including Boston, New York, Baltimore, and Washington.
Intercity bus service is provided by Greyhound and Trailway bus lines from the terminal at 1001 Filbert Street, behind The Gallery shopping center. The Penn campus can be reached from the bus station on SEPTA’s Green Line (to either 36th and Sansom Streets or 37th and Spruce Streets) or Market-Frankford Line (to 34th and Market Streets).
Philadelphia Public Transportation
Philadelphia’s mass transit system is SEPTA, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. SEPTA operates a coordinated system of bus, subway, elevated train, and trolley lines that covers all of Philadelphia and parts of the surrounding counties. Exact change ($2.25) or a token is required. Weekly and monthly SEPTA TransPasses are also available. Tokens are available at all subway stations, and both TransPasses and tokens can be purchased on campus at the Penn Book Store. Fares are subject to change.
From the Airport
The Philadelphia International Airport is located in the Southwest section of the city, approximately twenty minutes from the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Visitors driving from the airport should take I-95 North to the I-676/Center City Philadelphia exit, which is approximately seven miles North of the airport. Follow I-676 West (the Vine Street Expressway) until I-76 East (the Schuylkill Expressway). Before this ramp merges onto I-76, take the 30th Street Station exit (345) which empties onto a one-way street that bends left becoming 30th Street. Go through one light (JFK Blvd.), then turn right onto Market Street. Proceed 4 blocks and turn left onto 34th Street. Entrance to a Penn public parking garage is on the left just before the next traffic light at 34th and Chestnut.
Convenient train service from the airport to 30th Street Station is available through SEPTA’s Airport Express Train which leaves every half-hour. The maximum fare is currently $6.00 (subject to change), and the trip takes approximately twenty-five minutes. The University City Station is about a five minute walk west on Spruce Street to our campus. The 30th Street Station is about a fifteen-minute walk or $5 cab ride to campus.
A metered cab ride from the airport to campus generally costs $20, including the tip, and takes approximately 20 minutes.
The Penn Tower Hotel, located adjacent to the Penn Campus on 34th Street at Civic Center Boulevard, runs an airport shuttle that leaves from the baggage claim area every half hour. The ride is $8 (subject to change) and takes approximately twenty minutes.
From 30th Street Station
The campus can be reached from 30th Street Station by cab, on SEPTA’s Green Line (to either 36th and Sansom Streets or 37th and Spruce Streets) or the Market-Frankford Line (to 34th and Market Streets), or by foot; 30th Street Station is a fifteen-minute walk from the heart of campus.
Parking
There are several parking facilities located on or near campus, as well as metered street parking. Street parking spaces are usually limited to either 2 or 3 hours and cost $2.50 per hour. Some garages may charge a flat fee and prices vary. Please note that Penn does not validate parking. Penn is located in a city setting so please allow ample time to find parking. Recommended garages and lots:
- 34th and Chestnut Street (closed on Saturday);
- South Street and Convention Avenue;
- Penn Tower Hotel (34th and Civic Center Boulevard);
- Sheraton Hotel (36th and Chestnut Streets);
- 40th and Walnut Street;
- 32nd and Walnut Street;
- 38th and Walnut Street (please use the 38th Street entrance).
Directions from Garage (38th& Walnut Street) to School
Exit garage elevator and walk down Walnut Street to the light at 37th St. Cross Walnut Street at 37th and go up first set of steps on your right, just past the Graduate Education building. Go left at the top of the steps (you’ll be in a large quadrangle area). The back of the School of Social Policy & Practice (Caster Building) will be in front of you, a 3-story window-lined, brick building. The entrance to the building is on Locust Walk (front side of building).
Wellness Information
Events
01/24
SP2 Fridays
Come out and network with current students and alumni. Refreshments will be served. SP2 Fridays is presented by the Offices of Institutional Advancement & Student Affairs.
News
Faculty & Research
12/17
Paper on philanthropic strategies wins editors’ prize for three SP2-affiliated authors
The first author of the paper is Dr. H. Daniel Heist, a graduate of SP2’s PhD in Social Welfare Program. He is joined by SP2 Professor Ram Cnaan and fellow SP2 PhD graduate Dr. Megan M. Farwell.
Contact Us
School of Social Policy & Practice
University of Pennsylvania
3701 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6214
215 898 5512
215 573 2099 (fax)