ADMISSIONS
Social Justice Scholars Program
Full-tuition scholarships and specialized, rigorous academic programming for master’s students
The Social Justice Scholars Program at Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) is a competitive scholarship program with the aim of enhancing SP2’s ongoing commitment to the recruitment and retention of students with a particular interest in and demonstrated capacity for social justice leadership in their field. Social Justice Scholars will receive full tuition benefits, be supported through an enriched structure of mentorship and additional training opportunities, and be part of a dynamic cohort of scholars.
Implementation
SP2 welcomed the first cohort of Social Justice Scholars in the fall of 2021 and the second cohort in the fall of 2022. SP2 Associate Professor Yoosun Park is faculty director of the program.
A transformative $12.5 million commitment in support of SP2 announced in June 2022 will support the Social Justice Scholars Program and endow a new scholarship program focused on social innovation to be announced in spring of 2023.
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 social justice leadership
Preference will be given to candidates who:
- Self-identify as BIPOC
- Graduated from a historically Black college or university (HBCU) or a minority-serving institution (MSI)
Application Process
No separate application is required.
Applicants to the Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP) must apply by December 1. Applicants to the Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) program must apply by December 15.
Application Fee Waiver
Applicants to the MSW, MSSP, or NPL program(s) who attended an HBCU or MSI qualify for an application fee waiver. Email apply@sp2.upenn.edu with your name and undergraduate institution to receive a fee waiver.
The U.S. Department of Education defines an HBCU as any historically black college or university that (i.) was established prior to 1964, (ii.) whose principal mission was, and is, the education of African Americans, and (iii.) is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency. Other MSI’s can include Hispanic- Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AAPISIs).
San Antonio, TX
In their own words
Paloma Brand, MSW’23
Paloma is one of the inaugural Social Justice Scholars.
“Social innovation and social justice should really involve the communities that social work impacts.”
Frequently asked questions
How can I apply to the Social Justice Scholars Program at SP2?
No separate application is required.
Applicants to the Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP) must apply by December 1. Applicants to the Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) program must apply by December 15.
The online application for all master’s and doctoral programs opens in mid to late September of the year prior to your first term at SP2. You can read more about how to apply to SP2 here or access the online application here.
Who is eligible for the Social Justice Scholars Program at SP2?
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 social justice leadership
Preference will be given to candidates who:
- Self-identify as BIPOC
- Graduated from a historically Black college or university (HBCU) or a minority-serving institution (MSI)
When was the Social Justice Scholars Program implemented at SP2?
SP2 welcomed the first cohort of Social Justice Scholars in the fall of 2021 and the second cohort in the fall of 2022.
A transformative $12.5 million commitment in support of SP2 announced in June 2022 will support the Social Justice Scholars Program and endow a new scholarship program focused on social innovation to be announced in spring of 2023. The commitment will fund 12 full-tuition scholarships annually in social justice and social innovation.
The support includes a $7.5 million commitment from an anonymous donor, one of the largest gifts ever made to SP2, to increase scholarships for graduate students who are committed to social innovation and social justice, including those from historically underrepresented backgrounds. This support is combined with an additional $5 million in matching funds from the University.
What is the significance of the transformative $12.5 million commitment in support of SP2?
The resources propel SP2’s mission and the heart of social justice at Penn, providing unprecedented support to produce the future leaders our world needs in social work, social policy, and nonprofit leadership, in an era in which inequities have been exacerbated.
SP2 is aiming to train the next generation of leadership that will create new pathways in social policy and practice. SP2 firmly believes that the knowledge, experience, and perspectives of a more diverse student body can help to forge new ways of approaching social problems and challenge the status quo. In today’s complex world, where injustice and inequity remain deeply entrenched, the need for passionate social change agents is more urgent than ever.
How can I support this program?
Donors who make gifts in increments of $500,000 can take advantage of a dollar for dollar match to name and endow from one to five Social Justice Scholars. Additionally, term gifts can be made in any amount to support both the scholarship and programming for this initiative. Contact Kristen de Paor or click here to learn more about giving to SP2.
News
Student Life
03/08
Penn’s Inspiring Impact highlights SP2 Social Justice Scholar and a unique gift
A new article on Penn’s Inspiring Impact website highlights SP2 Master of Social Work student Mayowa Fageyinbo and a unique gift that is making an impact on SP2’s signature Social Justice Scholars Program.
News
Student Life
02/22
SP2 Social Justice Scholar Skye Horbrook works to effect change through data
From majoring in computer science at a historically Black university, to volunteering on the front lines of disaster relief and digital equity efforts, Skye Horbrook has built a path focused on using technology and data to create social change.
News
Student Life
01/11
Penn Today and upenn.edu spotlight SP2’s Social Justice Scholars Program
Now in its second year, the Social Justice Scholars Program at Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) welcomed four scholars in 2022, offering a full-tuition scholarship, mentorship from […]
Alums & current scholars
Prince George’s County, MD
Jersey City, NJ
Lagos, Nigeria
Uttar Pradesh, India
Contact Us
Adiza M. Ezell, MSW
Director of Admissions & Recruitment
SP2 Admissions
215.898.5521