Social Work | Penn Today

Equipping students and nonprofits for impact

SP2’s ChiaKo Hung researches nonprofit financial management and philanthropy, and equips his students with the practical skills necessary to apply to the social sector.

2 min. read

Reimagining a shelter as a supportive space for childhood

HAVEN, a winning project of the 2026 President’s Engagement Prize developed by three fourth-year undergraduates, will launch an after-school program for K-5 children at Jane Addams Place, a homeless shelter in North Philadelphia.

3 min. read

Blending empathy and analytics

SP2 Class of 2026 student Nature Hu explains how qualitative insight coupled with strong data analysis can effectively shape policy and resource allocations.

2 min. read

SP2 launches social work affiliate program with HUP and CHOP

The first-of-its-kind social work affiliate program will advance workforce development and further elevate the role of social workers in improving health outcomes and systems of care.

Monthly cash payments could boost disaster survivors. A Maui nonprofit tries it out

Stacia West of the School of Social Policy & Practice says cash assistance reduces food insecurity.

Homelessness appears to decline, reversing a yearslong trend

Dennis Culhane of the School of Social Policy & Practice says there has been a decline in homelessness across the U.S.

An elderly person holding a baby while blowing out candles on a birthday cake.

Planning ahead in an age of longevity

Tamara J. Cadet of the School of Social Policy & Practice discusses strategies for preparing—financially and physically— for an extended lifespan.

3 min. read

‘A long bridge’: These programs can help foster care youth attend—and succeed at—college

Sarah Wasch of the School of Social Policy & Practice comments on the college aspirations of foster children.

College Hall seen through the archway of Fischer Fine Arts.

Awards and accolades for Penn faculty

A roundup of appointments and awards for various members of Penn’s faculty across several schools.

2 min. read

More seniors are becoming homeless. Shelters are trying to adapt

Dennis Culhane of the School of Social Policy & Practice says people older than 65 are the fastest-growing homeless population in the U.S.

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Equipping students and nonprofits for impact

Reimagining a shelter as a supportive space for childhood

Blending empathy and analytics

SP2 launches social work affiliate program with HUP and CHOP

Monthly cash payments could boost disaster survivors. A Maui nonprofit tries it out

Homelessness appears to decline, reversing a yearslong trend

Planning ahead in an age of longevity

‘A long bridge’: These programs can help foster care youth attend—and succeed at—college

Awards and accolades for Penn faculty

More seniors are becoming homeless. Shelters are trying to adapt