News & Press

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.

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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.

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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,…

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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…

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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.

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Economic scholar Ioana Marinescu promoted to full professor at SP2

Dr. Ioana Marinescu, a leading economist studying labor markets, antitrust, and AI, has been promoted to full professor at SP2, effective July 1, 2026.

Read More Economic scholar Ioana Marinescu promoted to full professor at SP2

SP2 announces “Technology for Good” as One Book selection

Penn's School of Social Policy & Practice has selected "Technology for Good" by Jim Fruchterman as its 2026–2027 One Book, One SP2 selection.

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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?

This Philly-area school district is standing by its decision not to take phones away from kids 

Dr. Desmond Patton was featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer, sharing his perspective on the growing debate around cell phone use in schools. 

inquirer.com This Philly-area school district is standing by its decision not to take phones away from kids 

NY won’t ask gun permit applicants for social media under court settlement 

Dr. Desmond Patton was featured in Gothamist, where he discussed the risks of using social media in gun permit decisions and cautioned against surveillance-based approaches…

gothamist.com NY won’t ask gun permit applicants for social media under court settlement 

AI could shrink paychecks but stretch them further, a Yale economics professor says 

In Business Insider, Dr. Ioana Marinescu shares that wages could decline as AI automates a growing share of “intelligence” tasks, highlighting a key tipping point…

businessinsider.com AI could shrink paychecks but stretch them further, a Yale economics professor says 

Social Media Fuels Community Violence. Prevention Needs an Upgrade. 

A piece co-authored by Dr. Desmond Patton examines how social media can accelerate community violence and calls for more community-centered approaches to preventing online conflicts…

techpolicy.press Social Media Fuels Community Violence. Prevention Needs an Upgrade. 

OpenAI’s spin on universal basic income 

Dr. Ioana Marinescu was featured in POLITICO, where she discussed emerging ideas around “universal basic capital” and the challenges of ensuring people benefit equitably from…

politico.com OpenAI’s spin on universal basic income 

The Trump Administration’s War on Data Has Fresh Casualties 

Dr. Dennis Culhane was featured in The New Republic discussing how federal restructuring and data reductions could undermine critical research infrastructure and limit the evidence…

newrepublic.com The Trump Administration’s War on Data Has Fresh Casualties 

Musk’s fantasy for a future where work is optional just got more real: U.K. minister calls for universal basic income to cushion AI-related job losses 

In Fortune, Dr. Ioana Marinescu discusses how universal basic income could cushion AI-driven job disruption while warning that AI may also deepen economic inequality. 

fortune.com Musk’s fantasy for a future where work is optional just got more real: U.K. minister calls for universal basic income to cushion AI-related job losses 

Homelessness Appears to Decline, Reversing a Yearslong Trend

Dr. Dennis Culhane was cited by The New York Times for his expert review of data suggesting homelessness declined nationwide, reshaping debates over homelessness policy…

nytimes.com Homelessness Appears to Decline, Reversing a Yearslong Trend