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

07/18

A flyer with a midnight blue background and neon lettering with icons of a bowling ball and pins detailing a Bowling Night event

Summer Networking Event – Bowling Night

Summer networking event for SP2 students, alumni, staff and faculty. Join us for a night of fun with food, drinks, and bowling!!

Events

07/22

An audience member seated at a round table raises her hand, smiling

Incoming Student/Alumni Networking Event – DC

Casual networking event to allow incoming students and alumni in the DC area to connect.

News

Newark skyline

Report: Newark guaranteed income pilot shows positive financial, health, family, and housing impacts 

New research from the Center for Guaranteed Income Research (CGIR) at Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) offers insight into the efficacy of different forms of unconditional cash transfers and reveals the positive impact of guaranteed income on low-income families in Newark, NJ.