PHILADELPHIA — The University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice has teamed with the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services to create the Penn/DHS Scholarship, a joint program designed to encourage full-time DHS staff to become part-time students pursuing master’s of social work degrees at Penn.

“At the School of Social Policy & Practice, we have the ability to enhance the quality of the skill sets of the workforce,” Richard Gelles, dean of the School, said. “We share the same goal –- a stronger, more effective DHS –- and this is Penn’s way of making a long-lasting impact for the children of Philadelphia, as well as raising the bar for social work as a profession.”

During the program, the School will contribute $30,000 per student, while DHS will contribute $24,000 per student. Each student will be responsible for any remaining tuition and fees.

“The City of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania’s new scholarship program will empower DHS employees to apply newly developed and practical job skills to their work in the field,” Mayor Michael Nutter said. “Providing higher education opportunities will not only broaden their professional expertise, but it will also instill a greater sense of pride as they continue to improve the quality of life for those in Philadelphia’s communities.”

In order to receive the merit-based scholarship, DHS employees must be accepted into the M.S.W. program and commit to two years of service with the agency after graduation.

“This is truly a great partnership that will strengthen DHS as an agency so that we can best carry out our mission,” Anne Marie Ambrose, DHS commissioner, said. “Our employees are being offered an opportunity of a lifetime to receive a degree from one of the most prestigious universities in the country. This partnership shows we are serious about having the best and the brightest working at DHS.”

The Penn/DHS Scholarship program is limited to no more than five students per year. Additional information about is available at www.sp2.upenn.edu/programs/msw/index.html.