Nonprofit Leadership Program at Penn

Back to school at Penn, how is everyone going 😄
Did you get a chance to take a picture with Benjamin Franklink's statue sitting diagonally across from the SP2 building?

Partnership spotlight — The Network: Towards Unity for Health (TUFH) is an international, intersectional, and intergenerational organization that fosters equitable community-oriented health services, education, and research to improve health locally and globally. TUFH brings together innovative healthcare organizations, universities, community institutions, and thought leaders worldwide. TUFH is governed by a Global Board of Directors, supported by a Secretariat Consortium, guided by a Global Advisory Board of thought leaders, affiliated with the World Health Organization as an official non-state actor, and strategically partnered with health institutions to achieve its vision for universal and equitable healthcare.

If you have a chance to walk around Philly, you will notice the beauty of mural arts in many corners of the city; thank you, Mural Arts Philadelphia, who has brought artists for 40 years that made it happen!

During the academic year, SP2 student-led organizations would collaborate with local nonprofits focusing on food waste prevention to share over-abundance produce with graduate students; many NPL students benefited from the gesture while creating social causes 💪 ✊

PennPAC Pro bono Alumni Consulting is a volunteer community of University of Pennsylvania alumni dedicated to empowering nonprofits to become more focused, resourceful, and successful. Comprising professionals at various career stages and diverse backgrounds, PennPAC volunteers unite their wide-ranging experiences, skills, and perspectives to address strategic challenges nonprofit organizations face. PennPAC mobilizes alumni to strengthen nonprofits in New York City, Philadelphia, and the Bay Area while offering nationwide virtual programs. PennPAC’s mission ensures nonprofits receive essential support, volunteers engage in meaningful community service and professional growth, and communities benefit from the enhanced synergy between nonprofits and alumni.

A hidden gem on the Penn campus, Richards Medical Research Laboratories was designed by one of the United States' greatest 20th-century architects, Louis Kahn. Kahn was a professor at Penn for 17 years; his design of the Laboratories and the memorial park (Biopond) behind it have served NPL and all Penn students for many decades.

This week, we are featuring NPL partner — Interfaith Philadelphia.
Interfaith Philadelphia aims to promote social harmony and inter-religious understanding by equipping individuals and communities for interfaith engagement, building collaborative relationships, and standing in solidarity with diverse neighbors. Interfaith Philadelphia’s vision is a region reflecting a vibrant, religiously diverse democracy where all people are valued, distinctive traditions are welcomed, and diverse backgrounds collaborate for a just and compassionate society. It is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful environment by valuing individual dignity and the rich diversity of racial, ethnic, and religious communities. Its core values include honoring religious freedom, upholding respect and dignity for all, especially marginalized individuals, and enhancing religious literacy. It encourages authentic dialogue, respects multiple worldviews, and invests in long-term collaborative relationships, valuing both institutional leadership and grassroots activism to drive enduring social change.

Practicum partner, ADAC Youth & Family Services, is a faith-based non-profit operating since 1987 in Philadelphia. ADAC provides substance misuse and violence prevention programs for youth ages 5-18 and their families, focusing on those at high risk for substance abuse, violence, and low graduation rates. ADAC offers healthy alternatives, positive affirmations, educational enrichment, mentoring, and skills training for economic advancement. The organization also partners with local workforce centers and extends its impact through school-based initiatives. ADAC's mission is to physically, emotionally, and socially nurture youth and families through diverse programs that support growth and strong community ties. Its vision is to break cycles of trauma and promote positive choices, preparing youth for higher education and employment. ADAC aims to increase psychosocial support and develop 21st-century skills, promoting resiliency, self-confidence, and engagement in educational and recreational activities.

Today, we are highlighting the practicum partner, The Maternity Care Coalition (MCC), which aims to improve pregnant women's and parenting families' health and well-being and enhance school readiness for children aged 0-3. MCC envisions an equitable future where all families are healthy and connected, and all children thrive and are ready to learn. This vision includes welcoming each child, nurturing individuals to their full potential, empowering parents and caregivers, and fostering community support. MCC ensures families are healthy, connected, economically self-sufficient, and children thrive. For over 40 years, MCC has served Southeastern Pennsylvania and has expanded its impact to other parts of Pennsylvania and Delaware.

This summer, students dove into design thinking with hands-on activities, turning ideas into innovation!

Summer vibes on Penn’s campus.🔅😎 🌿

to the SP2 Partner Appreciation event. We welcomed community members and program partners to celebrate our students and collaborators.

In late April, NPL Lecturer Doug Bauer hosted an enlightening discussion on philanthropy's accountability, featuring Katherina Rosqueta from the Center for High Impact Philanthropy and Amy Schiller, author of "The Price of Humanity: How Philanthropy Went Wrong and How to Fix It." Philanthropy stands apart from the public sector and holds promise in addressing wealth inequality. Highlighting the importance of beneficiary involvement, emphasized philanthropy's effectiveness when closely aligned with those it serves. Schiller urged philanthropy to broaden its understanding of human needs and focus on sustaining individual's holistic humanity. Together, they challenged traditional philanthropic paradigms, advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate approach. Following the event, Schiller joined Bauer's course on philanthropy, engaging in meaningful discussions with Penn students.

Flashback to the university's 268th commencement at the historic Franklin Field 🤩 🎉

Join our vibrant community of learners and leaders! Learn more about the NPL program and SP2 experience by following this link: https://sp2.upenn.edu/program/master-of-science-in-nonprofit-leadership/

A big congratulations to all the NPL graduates! Cheers to the class of 2024! 🎉🎓🎉

Yesterday, we showed appreciation for the incredible SP2 practicum, field, and internship students as well as the dedicated community partners who have made a real difference this year.

Students and Professors gathered one last time for dinner in The Netherlands, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Let's reminisce! As we wrap up the academic year, let's take a moment to look back on the wonderful memories we created at the SP2 candle-making event this year.

Throwback to the Spring 2024 NPL Retreat, 🌷😊✊ a day filled with blooming flowers, picturesque scenery, and memorable team building experiences!

This March, several NPL students attended a series of seminars hosted by the Nonprofit Learning Lab in Center City, Philadelphia. This one-day event covered trending topics in the nonprofit sector and featured keynote speakers from around the nation. Topics included strategic planning for donor relations, transactional and major gift fundraising, board engagement, corporate sponsorship, advancing DEI development in organizations, and so on. The fruitful conversations provided participants with practice tools for their future endeavors in creating social impact.

Our recent Crafting Comfort: DIY Home Decor Workshop brought together MSSP and NPL cohorts. Each crafter brought their unique perspective and style to the table. A big thank you to AR Workshop Chestnut Hill who made this event possible!

In March, NPL hosted a lunch and networking session with practicum partners and alumni. We look forward to the next meet up!

Newly accepted students are invited to join upcoming faculty panels, where they can learn more about the curriculum directly from the professors who teach it. Check your email for registration information!
📅 Thursday, April 4, and Wednesday, April 10, 2024
📍 Virtual format

Having a mentor can make all the difference. Mentors provide invaluable guidance, support, and wisdom.

Are you passionate about shaping the next generation of social impact leaders? Follow this link to learn more about mentoring an SP2 student.

Info for Community Partners - School of Social Policy & Practice Community partners can access information here.

Embracing the urban oasis of Philadelphia, where green spaces are mere steps from the classroom. 🏙️🌳

Join the NPL program! Admissions applications are open until April 1, 2024. Submit your application today. https://sp2.upenn.edu/how-to-apply-npl/

Deadline Extension Alert!
We've extended the Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership program admissions application deadline. This extension provides prospective NPL students with additional time to carefully consider their educational pursuits and submit their applications. Don't miss your chance to join a dynamic learning community dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector. Apply by April 1, 2024 to take the next step in your journey towards leadership in the realm of social impact.