Research Centers
The Cartographic Modeling Lab
The Cartographic Modeling Lab (CML) is an interdisciplinary center that specializes in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and urban and social policy analysis with a special focus on Philadelphia. Working closely with local agencies, the CML creates internet-based mapping applications for researchers, policy analysts and community based organizations. Current projects include the Neighborhood Information System - a multi-year inquiry into housing abandonment, vacancy and neighborhood reinvestment - and the Services Utilization Monitoring System - an online mapping, reporting and data analysis system for child-centered data. The CML is a joint venture between the School of Social Policy & Practice and Penn's School of Design. (www.cml.upenn.edu)
The Center for High Impact Philanthropy
The Center for High Impact Philanthropy (CHIP) seeks to define the efficient frontier of philanthropy, where nonprofit financing is linked to potential for impact. Our goal is to develop the information, tools, and metrics to enable philanthropists to make smart social investments. Our vision is one where philanthropists understand what impact they can reasonably expect for each incremental charitable dollar and where evidence and facts inform the allocation of charitable gifts. (www.impact.upenn.edu)
Center for Research on Youth & Social Policy
The Center for Research on Youth and Social Policy (CRYSP) works to bring about positive social change by improving the way human services are developed, delivered, and evaluated. CRYSP seeks to have a major impact on the issues and systems affecting vulnerable populations, particularly children, while promoting social justice and social change through applied research, planning, and technical assistance. (www.sp2.upenn.edu/CRYSP).
Field Center for Children's Policy, Practice and Research
Guided by the Schools of Social Policy & Practice, Law, and Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice and Research brings together the resources of the University of Pennsylvania to enhance and assure the well-being of abused and neglected children and those at risk of maltreatment. By moving beyond traditional approaches, the Field Center utilizes an interdisciplinary model to integrate clinical care, research and education, inform local and national policy, and prepare the nation’s future leaders, for the benefit of children and their families. (www.fieldceteratpenn.org)
The Out-of-School Time Resource Center (OSTRC)
The OSTRC promotes out-of-school time (OST) student achievement by conducting research on and providing access to staff resources and professional development.
The OSTRC is available, free of charge, to all program staff and administrators. Phone calls, e-mail messages, and personal visits are welcome. The OSTRC maintains a website, administers a professional Listserv, and publishes several resource directories. (www.sp2.upenn.edu/ostrc)
Program for Religion and Social Policy Research
The Program for Religion and Social Policy Practice is a research, education, and policy program dedicated to understanding the nexus between organized religion and the provision of social services. We aim to 1) contribute new knowledge on the scope, nature, and practice methods of religious-based social services, 2) develop methods for studying congregations and religious-based organizations, and 3) equip future cadre of social service practitioners and researchers in the integration of social work and religion. (www.sp2.upenn.edu/prspr)