ADMISSIONS

Requirements

Students selected for the SP2 Scholars program receive full tuition coverage for the duration of their program along with a small stipend for living expenses and enhanced academic and supportive programming.

Scholars are expected to be active participants in all elements of the SP2 Program. Funding is contingent upon full participation in the following required activities:

• Monthly Proseminars: An ongoing lecture and discussion series for professional development and community-building
• Mentorship Program: Each student will be paired with a mentor, a Penn Faculty member or Senior Administrator, who is a leader in their field and can provide academic and career guidance and support.
• Conferences/Trainings: Students will be provided with funds to travel to and attend a conference or another learning opportunity during each academic year they are enrolled in the program.
• Enrichment Activities: A limited number of additional learning opportunities (e.g., field trips, school sponsored meetings, and other special events) will be scheduled through the academic year.

Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration, the applicant must have:

• Applied by the priority deadlines below to one of SP2’s three master’s degree programs: Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP), or Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL)
• Demonstrated financial need 
• Demonstrated an interest in and capacity for leadership in social good
• Capacity for and willingness to be active, full participants in all elements of the SP2 Scholars program

Application Process

No separate application or additional materials are required. Scholars are selected by faculty during the application review process.

Applicants to the MSW, MSSP, or NPL program(s) must apply by December 1st.

Implementation

SP2 welcomed the first cohort of scholars in the fall of 2021, the second cohort in the fall of 2022, and the third in the fall of 2023. SP2 Associate Professor Yoosun Park is faculty director of the program and Jessie Harper is the director of the program.

A transformative $12.5 million commitment in support of SP2 announced in June 2022 will support the program and endow a new scholarship program focused on social innovation announced in spring of 2023.

Application Fee Waiver

Applicants to the MSW, MSSP, or NPL program(s) who are interested in being considered for the SP2 Scholars Program qualify for an application fee waiver. Email apply@sp2.upenn.edu with your name to receive a fee waiver.