PHILADELPHIA -- The University of Pennsylvania has launched its Civic Scholars Program, a new four-year program that allows a select number of undergraduate students to incorporate their academic interests with research and service to the community. The program will welcome its first class, of 15 students in September.The students who are a part of the Civic Scholars Program will address local issues, such as urban healthcare education, poverty and housing, from a global perspective.

"Community service and scholarship are too often separated.  Our Civic Scholars Program offers Penn students who are deeply committed to service a great opportunity to integrate their civic-service interests with their academic experiences at Penn," President Amy Gutmann said.

Walter Licht, faculty director of Penn's Civic House and of the new program, said offering students ongoing, meaningful community-service opportunities and research experiences is one example of Penn's dedication to social responsibility.  

"The Civic Scholars initiative is a unique program among our peers: a deep, four-year, sequential experience that promotes leadership in community affairs and policy-oriented scholarship."

Additional information about the Civic Scholars Program is available at 215-898-4831.

Additional information is available at http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/civichouse/civicscholars/