PHILADELPHIA

A dynamic, world-class city rich with opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

The School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a dynamic city ripe with opportunity for students pursuing careers in social work and social policy. 

Philly is a big place grappling with big challenges. It’s home to nonprofits, hospitals, and social service agencies doing innovative work, and SP2 is an important part of this ecosystem. Our students are everywhere—honing their skills and doing their part to promote fairness against social problems of all kinds here in the city and beyond.

Building with fountain and park

Faculty News

Faculty Making a Difference

Our world-renowned faculty are dedicated to making a difference in our own backyard, from conducting innovative research on how to better serve the city’s homeless population to how policy can be re-envisioned to protect Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ youth.

Student Stories

Students Impacting Philly

Our students are making big changes here in Philadelphia—from working one-on-one with domestic violence survivors to conducting innovative research on how social systems impact the health of marginalized community members.

Student in red t-shirts standing outside

Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy

This SP2 initiative empowers students and faculty to help state and local governments collaborate and responsibly leverage data to improve lives in Philadelphia and beyond.

Tracking COVID Relief Funding

The Center for High Impact Philanthropy has established a regional COVID response dashboard to help funders in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey plan beyond initial relief efforts.

Living in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States, but is often described as a “city of neighborhoods.” Students are encouraged to make the most of their time while living and studying here.

Philadelphia skyline
SP2 student and a young girl jump rope outside

Practicum Education

Our students build important skills and professional connections at hospitals, community centers, hospice agencies, and more – here in Philadelphia and beyond. Take a look at some of the agencies where our students are connecting theory with practice while making real-world impact.

Events

04/16

Art Exhibition Poster 0325

4th Annual Art@SP2 Exhibit: Practice & Possibility

Practice & Possibility is a participatory art exhibition that centers the lived experiences shaping our commitments to social policy and practice at SP2. Featuring photography and artwork from students, faculty, and […]

Events

04/22

End Of Year Save The Date

SP2 End of Year Pop Up

Join us for the SP2 End of Year Pop-Up in the Caster Courtyard on April 22 from 12–4 PM! Celebrate the close of the academic year with food, fun activities, […]

News

Headshot of ChiaKo Hung

Equipping Students and Nonprofits for Impact: A Q&A with Dr. ChiaKo Hung

In this Q&A, SP2 Assistant Professor Dr. ChiaKo Hung reflects on what makes teaching at SP2 meaningful, the impact his research aims to have, and his favorite way to spend time in Philadelphia.