Teaching socio-scientific issues in biology is challenging. In this webinar, we will share our process for overcoming these challenges and developing culturally-relevant case studies that improve perspective articulation, socioscientific reasoning, and bounded evidence justification in undergraduate students.

Case study teaching methods are well known for their influence on improved performance, helping students work through complex topics like evolution, and improve critical thinking. Beyond basic science content, there is also a growing movement to incorporate socio-scientific issues (SSI) in biology teaching. However, many educators find it hard to incorporate these ideas because they are not “content”. To address this challenge, we have developed a framework for content-centered SSI that brings critical analysis to topics traditionally taught in STEAM classrooms, strengthening both conceptual and nature of science knowledge. Our framework, ASPECT-STEAM, uses case studies that scaffold students in understanding how the same evidence can support multiple explanations, the boundaries of evidence and STEAM concepts in real world applications. This deepens content while students explore complex topics that resonate with their intrinsic motivations. In this webinar, we will showcase one of our case studies, and share our process for incorporating multiple perspectives and repositioning argumentation for humility. Participants will work in groups based on similar institution demographics and disciplines to incorporate our model in an existing case study.

Webinar Outcomes – After the workshop session, participants should be able to:

• Describe the importance of culturally relevant case studies
• Identify content related to their course and student demographics to consider when creating a case study
• Create an outline of their case study that integrates new socioscientific reasoning practices

Register here.

OVERVIEW:

We are looking for individuals who plan on attending the “PHENND Conference: The Age-Friendly Campus” to be held Friday, February 26, 2027 to design and lead paper presentations and workshops. This gathering will be attended by 100-120 campus staff, faculty, students and community partners active in community service, service-learning, college success and campus-community partnership work. While primarily targeting individuals who are part of the 20+ colleges and universities involved in the Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development (PHENND), this event is also open nationally to practitioners of campus-community partnerships. Over the course of one day, between 3 and 5 elective choices will be offered during each of three sessions. Therefore, we are looking for a total of roughly 10-15 workshops and/or paper presentations.

We seek sessions that explore the following themes and ideas:
—Intergenerational Programming: Sessions that explore how higher education can foster relationships across generations. Consideration for how these programs impact current students as well as the larger society.

—Children on campus: Sessions highlighting programs and projects designed for the thriving of young children (ages 0-12) whether for community-based/school participants and/or the children of staff/students.

—Older adults: Sessions highlighting programs and projects designed for the thriving of older adults (ages 55+) whether for community-based participants and/or faculty/staff/students.

—Changing demographics of students: Sessions that discuss creative ways for addressing the widening age ranges of college students and how that impacts classroom instruction as well as other aspects of the college experience. The average age of a U.S. college student is 25 with one-third of students older than 25. What does this mean for campuses that have traditionally served 18-22 year olds? How does this fact impact the public perception of higher education? How does this fact influence the experience of higher education for people of all ages/life stages?

—The Future of Higher Education and Lifelong Learning: Speculative discussions of how higher education can/should/must adapt to truly be centers of “lifelong learning.” Proposals should go beyond programming and consider physical layouts, financial models, and the public purpose of higher education. How can embedding intergenerational approaches to higher education solve many of higher education’s challenges and solve societal programs?

Learn more and submit your proposal here.

The End of Education: Redefining the Value of School by Neil Postman.

From the Penguin Random House website:

Postman suggests that the current crisis in our educational system derives from its failure to supply students with a translucent, unifying “narrative” like those that inspired earlier generations. Instead, today’s schools promote the false “gods” of economic utility, consumerism, or ethnic separatism and resentment. What alternative strategies can we use to instill our children with a sense of global citizenship, healthy intellectual skepticism, respect of America’s traditions, and appreciation of its diversity? In answering this question, The End of Education restores meaning and common sense to the arena in which they are most urgently needed.

Note, this event will be hybrid. Please RSVP for either an in-person ticket or a virtual ticket. Attendees will get to choose the next book selection and date.

Register here

Job Duties:

• VISTA Recruitment – lead recruitment effort, with the support Program Manager, to engage a full cohort of 29-34 VISTAs for the upcoming program year. This includes reviewing applications, communicating with candidates throughout the recruitment process, conducting or coordinating initial phone interviews, providing technical assistance to candidates, keeping record of candidate status, and sending follow-up correspondence and retention communications to keep candidates appraised of their status as well as ensuring they complete required tasks to become part of our program if accepted. Maintain the Recruitment Tracker spreadsheet and Dashboard and train part-time staff in the usage of Recruitment Tracker and Dashboard. Create agendas and convene weekly recruitment team meetings. Additionally, they may participate in promoting the program to potential candidates through social media and recruitment fairs.
• Data collection and progress monitoring — oversee VISTA monthly reporting process; track and download submissions of monthly reports; follow-up with VISTAs who have not submitted reports; assist Program Manager with reporting to AmeriCorps with quantitative data for bi-annual reports. Track attendance at all trainings and events; administer absence reports and follow up with VISTAs for record keeping. Compile and analyze data for reporting purposes (e.g., PHENND Annual Report, Progress Reports)
• VISTA Training and Professional Development – Play a supporting role in the orientation and training of current VISTA members. In collaboration with VISTA Program Manager, design overall schedule, support implementation, especially through assuming responsibility for all training logistics (room reservations, catering, video conferencing). Under the guidance of VISTA Program Manager create or improve specific lesson plans for training and workshops as needed, including soliciting feedback from VISTAs. Lead the planning and organizing of annual Life After VISTA/AmeriCorps professional development conference. Develop any other sessions per interest and expertise.
• Systems Development/Maintenance – Organize institutional processes and documentation such as creating orientation and training calendars, creating manuals for VISTA process such as recruitment and orientation and check-ins, designing or improving templates for documentation and soliciting feedback, and maintaining electronic files for VISTA program.
• Financial/Personnel – support agency director with VISTA Payroll process by serving as a payroll administrator. Handle bi-weekly tracking of reimbursements to VISTAs and/or purchasing of SEPTA Keys, grocery subsidies, and other small one-time purchases such as workshop registrations, and food orders for monthly trainings. Track VISTA attendance at all trainings and events as well as personal/sick leave. Additionally, play primary role in collecting and maintaining personnel files (clearances) and other paperwork required for school-based VISTAs. Create P.O.s in Ben Financials for VISTA supplies and food for trainings and events. Execute yearly MOU process with sites and quarterly invoicing .
• Site Support – Support sites with development of job descriptions, VISTA Assignment Descriptions (including entry of relevant information into eGrants); Communicate regularly with sites during recruitment season; Assist Program Manager with New Site Orientation and the VISTA/Supervisor Orientation session and Mid-year reflection workshop. Participate in the selection process for all VISTA host sites (reviewing applications, communicating with applicants, providing feedback to applicants).
• Supervision-Part-time Recruitment Coordinator and MSW Intern if they hold a MSW degree.

Learn more and apply here.

Expected salary is high $50K to mid $60K depending on experience and qualifications.

PHENND Fellows serve in full-time capacity-building positions in dynamic Philadelphia-area non-profits. By hosting PHENND Fellows, partner agencies are able to launch new programs and initiatives that enable them to do more to carry out their missions as they relate to fighting poverty. In addition to strengthening the host agencies and the communities they serve, the program helps to cultivate the next generation of civic leaders.

PHENND Fellows are selected from a competitive pool of applicants. Candidates who are selected for the fellowship have outstanding academic records, excellent communication skills, significant service and leadership experience, and the ability to make an immediate impact at their host agencies. The program partners with AmeriCorps VISTA to support these projects. The program year will run from Aug 2027-Aug 2028.

Informational Webinars

We will offer two informational webinars to review the PHENND Fellow program and application process and answer questions of potential applicants. See dates and click to RSVP via Zoom.

October 6, 9:30AM

November 10, 2:00PM

We strongly encourage all potential applicants to schedule a short consultation with PHENND after the webinar but before starting on your application.

Apply here by Friday, December 7, 2026

If you would like to see the application in its entirety, you can download a PDF version here. Note, you must submit your application online.

More questions? Contact Eden Kainer at 215-573-2379.

This round, the cohort is limited to participants whose work focuses on restorative justice, the carceral system, or working with system-impacted individuals, families or communities.

It is particularly exciting to bring together a group of justice-oriented individuals seeking to explore alternative, creative teaching methods, challenge existing norms, and design more participatory, human-centered experiences for learners of all ages.

Find more information with this registration link. Please note that the tuition for this cohort has already been cut in half to reduce barriers to attendance.

From Campus Compact:

This new book by Byron P. White reimagines community engagement as an essential operational driver for sustaining universities and offers a bold alternative to the customer-focused strategies many colleges seek to regain stability.

Across eight chapters informed by interviews with higher education leaders, examination of emerging frameworks, and compelling profiles of exemplary institutions, White showcases innovative principles and practices that advance strategic priorities and foster community-focused structures. Tailored for higher education leaders, community engagement practitioners, and scholars, this volume makes a compelling case for integrating public impact with organizational transformation.

Register here

The event is designed to move beyond abstract commitments, providing engagement administrators and campus leaders with a practical path for integrating civic and community engagement across all institutional functions—from research and teaching to operations and economic influence.

A central focus of this symposium is exploring how the (BT2P) Paradigm framework can support and inform the Campus Action Planning process. Participants will examine how foundational theoretical commitments to student well-being and inclusive excellence can be operationalized through CAP’s five planning domains: Institutional Identity, Faculty and Staff Support, Student Agency, Reciprocal Partnerships, and Infrastructure and Coordination.

Date and Time: September 10, 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Location: Temple University, Howard Gittis Student Center

Learn more and register.

Note, if you are a PHENND member institution, but not a member of Campus Compact, you can still get the member rate. Use discount code: PHENND50

Join us for a summer picnic at Cira Green on Sunday, July 26^th.

Date and Time: Sunday, July 26, 2026, 12:00-2:00 PM

Location: Cira green/sunset social, 129 S 30th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Snacks provided and available for purchase.

RSVP here

This new book by Byron P. White reimagines community engagement as an essential operational driver for sustaining universities and offers a bold alternative to the customer-focused strategies many colleges seek to regain stability.

Across eight chapters informed by interviews with higher education leaders, examination of emerging frameworks, and compelling profiles of exemplary institutions, White showcases innovative principles and practices that advance strategic priorities and foster community-focused structures. Tailored for higher education leaders, community engagement practitioners, and scholars, this volume makes a compelling case for integrating public impact with organizational transformation.

Register here

Since this is the first PHENND Book Club, I’m leaving ample time to read it — all summer long!

I’m also fine with an online discussion or in-person at the PHENND office (or elsewhere). Hoping a summer Friday will be less busy. If you’re interested but not sure of the date or format, sign up anyway and I will poll the registrants about those details. If successful, we can make this a regular thing and choose a new selection. Perhaps with the cadence of once a quarter…

-Hillary

LOCATION CONFIRMED:

Entertainment and Community Education Center
1509 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Room 214

The Warm Handoff: Successful Student Transitions to High School, College and the Work Force
Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at Community College of Philadelphia

Registration is now open!

Smooth transitions can make all the difference in a student’s educational journey.  The 2026 PHENND K-16 June Institute will explore strategies, programs, and partnerships that create “warm handoffs” — intentional, relationship-centered approaches that ensure students are supported as they move from one educational stage to the next.

Educators, counselors, college access professionals, and administrators should join us to share–and learn from– effective models for collaboration, data sharing, mentoring, and student engagement that bridge the gaps between schools, institutions and the work force. Participants will leave with practical tools and insights to strengthen continuity, belonging, and success during critical transition points.

We are excited to announce that the morning will kick off with a conversation between CCP President Dr. Alycia Marshall and President Emerita Elaine Maimon.

This year the June Institute will cost $25 to attend and we ask that you register in advance. Limited scholarships are available. The Institute will take place in the Great Hall of Community College of Philadelphia’s Winnett Student Life Building (1700 Spring Garden Street). Registration and breakfast will be available beginning at 8:30am and lunch will be provided as well. The program will begin at 9:00am. Feel free to bring materials for the resource tables and please spread the word!

Please click here for more information and to register.

Calling educators of all kinds! Join a collaborative cohort of educators committed to recognizing and understanding the whole learner.

In Fall 2026, PHENND will again offer a four-part series for educators of all kinds* in the Philadelphia region, explore trauma-informed and healing-centered approaches to incorporate in your classrooms and beyond, and help educators consider the ways both structure and flexibility are key to a successful learning environment. The series uses both theory and practical tools to help educators create a supportive learning environment for all students and develop a learning community that promotes belonging and safety. The group will explore moving from trauma reducing to healing centered practices using a strengths-based lens. Themed sessions will examine educator self-awareness, our work with our learners, and the policies and practices of our organizations. Participants will learn from a combination of guided facilitation, short reading assignments, and their own reflections on their teaching practice (as well as the shared reflections of others). Each individual will leave with a practical portfolio of hands-on tools and action items to use in their learning spaces and organization.

Apply here

*This series is open to educators across the spectrum, whether school-based, university-based, or community-based. If you work with learners, this is for you!

Participants should expect each of the four sessions to take 2 hours with brief amounts of homework/reading in between sessions. See the session-by-session learning goals here.

The upcoming cohort will meet at the following dates and times. Please mark your calendars!

• September 30, 3-6pm (in-person, location TBD, Session 1)
• October 7, 3-5pm (virtual, Session 2)
• October 14, 3-5pm (virtual, Session 3)
• October 21, 3-5pm (virtual, Session 4)

Cost to participate in the series is $250 (total). We also encourage teams of educators from the same institution/school/organization to participate and can negotiate group rates. If you would like to negotiate a group rate, please select “Pay by Invoice” so you do not have to enter credit card info at this time and we will follow-up via email.

Enrollment will end Friday, September 19th. The course will only run if at least 15 people register. We will confirm that the course is or is not running by Monday, September 28th. If the course does not run, you will get a full refund.

Apply here

The Warm Handoff: Successful Student Transitions to High School, College and the Work Force

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Community College of Philadelphia

Smooth transitions can make all the difference in a student’s educational journey.  The 2026 PHENND K-16 June Institute will explore strategies, programs, and partnerships that create “warm handoffs” — intentional, relationship-centered approaches that ensure students are supported as they move from one educational stage to the next.

Educators, counselors, college access professionals, and administrators should join us to share–and learn from– effective models for collaboration, data sharing, mentoring, and student engagement that bridge the gaps between schools, institutions and the work force. Participants will leave with practical tools and insights to strengthen continuity, belonging, and success during critical transition points.

This latest round of awardees brings 15 new projects into the mix—spanning art, history, civic engagement, education, and culture—and reflects the incredible creativity and collaboration happening across our region.

Each project connects students, faculty, and community partners in exploring the region’s vital role in the nation’s founding and future.

Explore all 28 projects on the Campus250 homepage.

5-8 serve as Community Partnership Coordinators each at a different school in the city of Philadelphia
2 serve in the School District of Philadelphia main offices

About this project:

This is the 13th year of the PHENND Fellow AmeriCorps VISTA project in which VISTAs are placed in selected Philadelphia public schools and offices at the School District of Philadelphia to help manage, develop, and track external community partners. (We also have another cohort of VISTAs placed with local nonprofit agencies.  See separate postings for those positions.)

About the school-based positions:

The PHENND Fellow AmeriCorps VISTAs sought for this coming year will coordinate and facilitate partnerships between their school and existing and/or potential outside community partners with the goal of integrating their services into the school’s schedule and meeting major school needs, thereby ensuring that these partnerships are mutually beneficial, sustainable and serving students effectively.  The VISTAs will work directly with administrators and teachers to ensure strong communication between and among external partners and key school leadership.

Primary Goals:

The school-based Community Partnerships Coordinator VISTA will build their school’s community partnership capacity in four major areas through specific initiatives:

1) Documentation/Needs Assessment – collect information on current partners; assess needs of the school from various school constituencies;

2) Communication/Relationship Building – assist in communication strategy for the school (monthly calendar, newsletter and/or social media, etc.), provide support for communication between school and partners as well as inter-partner relations, facilitate a once-monthly stakeholder meeting to discuss events, strategies, and collaborative efforts;

3) Strategic Planning – work to create systems within the school to further the strength of relationships in and outside of the school, support leadership in working to incorporate partners to address school needs;

4) Evaluation – track number and type of community partnerships, engage partners in evaluation of the school-community partnership landscape.

Apply for a school-based position here (please note you will need to build an online profile on the AmeriCorps website before applying to this position).

Requirements for all positions include:

•    Outstanding oral and written communication skills
•    Ability to network and build relationships with diverse constituencies
•    Comfort with a school-based work environment and interactions with teachers, students and staff on a daily basis
•    Passion for improving educational opportunities for low-income youth
•    Familiarity with the general landscape of urban schooling and the role of community partnerships  in Philadelphia
•    Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as needed
•    Facility with word processing and managing databases
•    Willingness to navigate public transit

Preferred, but not required:

•    Spanish proficiency (for some placements)
•    Interest in STEM and the health sciences (for some placements)
•    Interest in the visual and performing arts (for some placements)

Timeline
•   Today-June 30– Online applications accepted on a rolling basis
•   March 15-June 15 – First round telephone interviews completed
•   May 1-June 1– Second round interviews and school matching interviews
•   June 23 – Latest date candidates notified
•   June 30 – Latest date candidates’ commitment expected
•   August 10, 2026 – VISTA term start date
•   August 9, 2027 – Service year ends

Compensation:
AmeriCorps VISTAs commit to a full-time year of service for a minimal living stipend of approximately $24,894 per year. VISTA members are provided health coverage and loan forbearance for any current federal student loans. Upon completion of the full year, they also receive an AmeriCorps Education Award of approximately $7,395 that can be used to pay for future educational expenses and/or pay off federal student loans. Free monthly public transportation pass provided. Members also have access to member emergency fund through the City of Philadelphia.

Training: Robust orientation and monthly training provided.

Post-service benefits include: (1) Schools of National Service tuition discounts at select colleges (2) Employers of National Service and (3) AmeriCorps Alumni Network

If you have any questions, please contact Eden Kainer at ekainer87@phennd.org.

Become an AmeriCorps VISTA and support local nonprofits and schools in the fight against poverty.

Join us for a Virtual Information Session to learn more!

We are holding monthly recruitment information sessions about our PHENND Fellows AmeriCorps VISTA program, with the next being on Monday, April 6, 2026, 12:15 PM.

Please spread the word to any students you know who are graduating in 2026 and looking into possible post-grad positions in social impact fields. Our program has two tracks: school-based community partnerships and non-profit organizations around Philadelphia.

Register here.

Through establishing the K-16 Partnerships Network at PHENND, he hoped to bring that philosophy to the world of university-school partnerships. The Lindy Award seeks to honor partnerships that focus on meeting articulated school and community needs and that have goals for long-term commitment.  This year, the Awards will also recognize a newly formed partnership (less than one year old) that shows great promise.  At the 2026 K-16 Partnerships Network June Institute, all the Lindy Award winners will be recognized and share a total of $5,000 to enhance the mission and vision of the partnerships (e.g., partner meetings, collaborative technologies, trainings, celebrations, outreach).

Deadline: May 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM

For information about eligibility, and to apply, please click here.  Questions? Contact Janine Wright at jwright126@phennd.org.

Join a cohort that works to strengthen communities and alleviate poverty by building capacity at local Philadelphia nonprofits.  Be one of 20 full-time AmeriCorps VISTAs serving in various nonprofits across the region as “PHENND Fellows.”

About this project:

PHENND Fellows places passionate and talented college graduates with local Philadelphia nonprofits as AmeriCorps VISTA members. The program has a three-fold mission (1) Support local nonprofits fighting poverty across a wide range of issues (2) Train and retain local talent to stay and work in Philadelphia and (3) Develop the next generation of nonprofit leaders.

PHENND Fellows will have up to 20 specific sites for the 2026-2027 program year. Each of those positions will be listed separately on MyAmeriCorps and if you have a specific interest in one or more of them, please apply for them directly. You will find all of them once you search the listings using “PHENND” as the program name.

Benefits & Compensation

AmeriCorps VISTAs commit to a full-time year of service for a minimal living stipend of approximately $25,637 per year. VISTA members are provided health coverage and loan forbearance for any current federal student loans. Upon completion of the full year, they also receive an AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395 that can be used to pay for future educational expenses and/or pay off federal student loans. SEPTA Trailpass provided. Note, we expect most sites to be in-person, though there may be some that are hybrid.

All PHENND Fellows will also receive extensive professional development as a cohort, in addition to any site specific training. PHENND Fellows participate in monthly training and have access to other special events and professional development. PHENND Fellows are also allowed to take up to two courses at the La Salle Nonprofit Center (or other similar conferences/training) paid for by the program.  PHENND Fellows will also be provided with a monthly all-system trailpass. Members also have access to member emergency fund through the City of Philadelphia.

Post-service benefits include: (1) Schools of National Service tuition discounts at select colleges (2) Employers of National Service and (3) AmeriCorps Alumni Network

Timeline

Mar 17-Jun 30 — Application open.  Candidates will be considered on a rolling basis. Expect a phone interview if your application passes an initial review.
March 31-June 3 — Top candidates interviewed by one or more host site organization.  Offers made.
June 15-June 28 — Deadline to accept PHENND Fellow offer
August 10, 2026 — Program start date
August 9, 2027 – Program end date

We are filling one more position at the Philadelphia Zoo for a start of Tuesday, September 8th (See below). Given the tight turnaround, we need interested candidates to apply ASAP.

If you have any questions, please contact Eden Kainer at ekainer87@phennd.org. Please refresh this page (or clear your cache) to make sure you are seeing the most up-to-date list.

2026-2027 Sites

Links to postings for specific sites/positions below. Most sites have been filled but the following are still recruiting.

PHENND Fellows – Community Access & Outreach Coordinator (Philadelphia Zoo)