News & Press

SP2 launches CARES to advance the science, practice, and future of healthcare social work

New center brings together SP2, HUP, and CHOP to strengthen research, education, and workforce development in healthcare social work. Penn’s School of Social Policy &…

Read More SP2 launches CARES to advance the science, practice, and future of healthcare social work

Nonprofit vs. Business Leadership: What’s Different and Why It Matters

More professionals are leaving traditional corporate careers in search of purpose-driven work. While many leadership skills transfer across sectors, nonprofit leadership requires a distinct understanding…

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A brief history of segregated beaches in America

Many beaches in the United States were segregated until 1964. Social policy scholar DeMarcus A. Jenkins of the School of Social Policy & Practice discusses…

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Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice launches redesigned website 

As a new academic year begins, Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) is proud to announce the launch of its redesigned website at sp2.upenn.edu.

Read More Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice launches redesigned website 

A welcome back message from Dean Sally Bachman

Dean Sally Bachman shares a special welcome message for new and returning students as we begin another year dedicated to social good, innovation, and impact.

Read More A welcome back message from Dean Sally Bachman

Partnering with local digital leaders to promote violence prevention

A team of Philadelphia-based content creators is collaborating with Penn public health experts to develop a comprehensive anti-violence campaign tailored for youth across the City,…

Read More Partnering with local digital leaders to promote violence prevention

A new role for dental providers? Rethinking where vaccines are given

An interdisciplinary team of Penn researchers, including SP2’s Dr. Tamara Cadet, used statistical analysis and focus-group feedback to validate a survey that assesses patient perceptions…

Read More A new role for dental providers? Rethinking where vaccines are given

New book by SP2’s Yoosun Park explores social work’s role in shaping American identity

 “Social Work, the Americanization Movement, and the Construction of Americans, 1874-1930” offers the first comprehensive study of social work’s involvement in the Americanization movement.

Read More New book by SP2’s Yoosun Park explores social work’s role in shaping American identity

SP2 students gain hands-on experience through integrated behavioral health fellowship at CHOP

SP2 MSW students gain hands-on experience strengthening behavioral health care for children and families through a new CHOP partnership.

Read More SP2 students gain hands-on experience through integrated behavioral health fellowship at CHOP

How extreme heat affects the economy

R. Jisung Park, an environmental and labor economist at the School of Social Policy & Practice, discusses climate change and the impact of extreme heat…

Read More How extreme heat affects the economy

Leading with a social work lens: A Q&A with Kimberly Browne, MSW’06

Kimberly Browne, MSW alumna and Vice President of Patient and Family Services at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, reflects on her SP2 experience, the moments that…

Read More Leading with a social work lens: A Q&A with Kimberly Browne, MSW’06

Dr. Abigail Ross named SP2 Master of Social Work faculty director

Associate Professor Abigail M. Ross has been appointed faculty director of the Master of Social Work program at SP2, effective July 1, 2026.

Read More Dr. Abigail Ross named SP2 Master of Social Work faculty director

Dolly Parton’s philanthropy was based on ‘her belief in the goodness of people’ 

Dr. Stacia West, co-founder of SP2’s Center for Guaranteed Income Research, was featured by the Associated Press for her research on Dolly Parton’s My People…

apnews.com Dolly Parton’s philanthropy was based on ‘her belief in the goodness of people’ 

Should you go to work during a heat wave? Your productivity suffers, and GDP tanks when it’s hot 

Dr. R. Jisung Park was quoted in Fortune on the growing economic impacts of extreme heat, highlighting how higher temperatures can reduce productivity and affect…

finance.yahoo.com Should you go to work during a heat wave? Your productivity suffers, and GDP tanks when it’s hot 

How Can We Reduce Homelessness? These Success Stories Point the Way 

In The Wall Street Journal, Dr. Dennis Culhane highlights how targeted housing assistance for families and veterans has significantly reduced homelessness, and outlines evidence-based strategies that can help address…

wsj.com How Can We Reduce Homelessness? These Success Stories Point the Way 

Hollywood workers rally against Paramount-Skydance deal 

Dr. Ioana Marinescu was featured in Reuters, where she offered expert insight on the potential labor market impacts of the proposed Paramount-Skydance merger.

reuters.com Hollywood workers rally against Paramount-Skydance deal 

Could Americans Build Wealth Through AI? Why Trump May Be Considering Equity-Sharing Scheme 

Dr. Ioana Marinescu was recently featured in Forbes, where she discussed the potential risks and implications of “universal basic capital” as a response to AI-driven…

forbes.com Could Americans Build Wealth Through AI? Why Trump May Be Considering Equity-Sharing Scheme 

Pushing Treatment, Trump Administration Limits Housing Aid for Homeless 

Dr. Dennis Culhane was featured in The New York Times discussing proposed federal policy shifts toward treatment-focused, time-limited aid and highlighting decades of research demonstrating the effectiveness of…

nytimes.com Pushing Treatment, Trump Administration Limits Housing Aid for Homeless 

Homelessness Declined in 2024, According to Delayed Federal Report 

Dr. Dennis Culhane was featured in The New York Times, which covered new federal data showing a national decline in homelessness in 2024, providing critical context, noting…

nytimes.com Homelessness Declined in 2024, According to Delayed Federal Report 

Can voting make you live longer? This Penn researcher found health benefits in civic engagement 

Dr. Femida Handy was featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer for research finding that older adults who vote have a lower risk of mortality over time,…

inquirer.com Can voting make you live longer? This Penn researcher found health benefits in civic engagement 

There Are More Shelter Beds Than Ever. It’s Not Enough. 

Dr. Dennis Culhane was featured in The New York Times discussing the growing demand for emergency shelter beds and the ongoing challenges of addressing homelessness…

nytimes.com There Are More Shelter Beds Than Ever. It’s Not Enough. 

Verdicts against Meta, YouTube spur new momentum for kids online safety push 

Dr. Desmond Patton was recently featured in The Hill, where he discussed the growing push to hold social media companies accountable for their impact on…

thehill.com Verdicts against Meta, YouTube spur new momentum for kids online safety push 

Older Americans who vote live longer than those who don’t – new research 

Dr. Femida Handy co-authored an article in The Conversation examining how civic engagement and voting may support healthier aging and lower mortality risk among older…

theconversation.com Older Americans who vote live longer than those who don’t – new research 

Will AI widen inequality between workers?

Dr. Ioana Marinescu was recently featured in the Financial Times, discussing how AI is reshaping the workforce and warning that today’s advantages for higher-paid workers…

ft.com Will AI widen inequality between workers?