Penn now enters a new moment of change through Penn Forward, a University-wide strategic initiative to plan for the next 10 years and beyond, proactively adapting to a rapidly changing world.

In this third edition of “Chapters of Change,” a limited series recalling key historical moments when Penn has responded to society’s needs, Penn Today explores major steps the University took from the 1980s to the early 2000s to work with and for its neighbors through mutually beneficial partnerships in West Philadelphia and beyond.

Read more.

Learn more and apply.

The summer program will begin on Monday, June 15th and end on Friday, July 24th. However, core academic classes are scheduled to take place over the course of four weeks: June 22 to July 16, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm.

Instructors would be compensated up to $32/hour for 18 hours/week (including built in daily prep time) for four weeks. During the summer, instructors teach three classes (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors).

If interested in this opportunity, please email Macy Smith your resume at msmith9@upenn.edu and 3-4 dates/times that you are free to interview over the next two weeks.

The summer program will begin on Monday, June 15th and end on Friday, July 24th. However, elective classes are scheduled to take place over the course of four weeks: June 22 to July 16, Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday from 1:30-4:05 pm.

We are currently looking for three Summer Elective Instructors and one Summer World Language Elective Instructor. The ideal candidate has experience teaching high schoolers in a school setting. Instructors would be compensated up to $32/hour for 8 hours/week (which includes prep time) for four weeks. During the summer, you would teach eight-sixteen classes depending on your availability. ”

If interested in this opportunity, please email your resume to Macy Smith at msmith9@upenn.edu and 3-4 dates/times that you are free to interview over the next two weeks.

• must be at least a rising junior in college with a 3.0 gpa
• residence life background or Upward Bound graduate a plus
• enjoy college visits and cultural trips
• free housing, meal plan, and stipend
• opportunity to work with and mentor promising Philadelphia high school students
• tutor students in core subject areas and electives

Apply by April 10, 2026.

Full job description and application information.

Take the survey.

For more information, contact Jane E. Dmochowski, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, Earth & Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania.

The AI-driven RNA BioFoundry (AIRFoundry) at University of Pennsylvania invites undergraduates at all levels to learn about emerging RNA technology, engineering nanoparticles, and how artificial intelligence can help accelerate discovery. The AIRFoundry is a National Science Foundation-funded BioFoundry that aims to transform how RNA is designed, synthesized and delivered so that we can democratize their use in bioscience discovery and application.

Join us for this free ½ day event, where you will learn from leading experts and tour lab spaces. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Event: RNA Day @Penn—Frontiers in Science: Engineering RNA & AI

Date and Time: March 30, 8:30am-12:00pm

Location: University of Pennsylvania, Singh Center  (3205 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104)

Register by March 19.

Informational flyer.

The PADMed Pathway Program offers tiered support that evolves to meet students’ changing needs from sophomore year through graduation. The program builds progressively, ensuring students are well-prepared both academically and professionally. By combining structured coursework, mentorship, skill-building workshops, and hands-on experiences, PADMed ensures that scholars are positioned for success in medical school and beyond.

Core elements of the program include the integration of academic coaching, tutoring, community engagement, and a focus on professional competencies aligned with the AAMC PREview framework. The program leverages both in- person and virtual learning modalities to accommodate diverse student schedules and learning preferences, maintaining a balance of flexibility and collaboration.

Learn more and apply by May 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Responsibilities:

• Assists in managing and implementing Penn Medicine’s advocacy agenda across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, including tracking, analyzing, and engaging on legislative, regulatory, and policy developments relevant to Penn Medicine. Must have strong writing and research abilities, ability to manage complex tasks and ensure adherence to timelines.
• Supports engagement at the federal, state, and regional levels, in coordination with internal teams and external consultants.
• Implements a strategic approach to cultivating relationships and communicating Penn Medicine’s advocacy priorities. Establishes and strengthens relationships with elected and appointed officials and key staff across jurisdictions.
• Primary responsibility for the Government Relations weekly newsletter process and ensures timely distribution of the weekly Government Relations report to stakeholders. Communicates with internal and external constituencies by drafting reports and updates as necessary.
• Participates in meetings for industry associations and outside organizations focused on government relations and health care policy, including but not limited to the Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, the American Hospital Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and others.
• Supports the preparation of comment letters, legislative and policy summaries, and internal stakeholder communications related to advocacy priorities.
• Serves as an advisor to the Senior Director of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs on strategic initiatives and short- and mid-term planning activities, including special projects.
• Works closely across the Government and Community Relations Office to ensure a coordinated public affairs strategy that aligns with organizational goals, including the Associate Vice President of Government and Community Relations and the Director of Government Relations.
• Ensures compliance with applicable lobbying disclosure and reporting requirements and assists with lobbying reporting and tracking. Maintains ethical standards of conduct at all times.
• Performs duties in accordance with Penn Medicine and entity values, policies, and procedures
• Other duties as assigned to support the unit, department, entity, and health system organization

Learn more and apply here.

We will explore how to complete the College Application, Admission, and Financial Aid process. We believe in the importance of preparing students for the next phase of their educational journey. This workshop will provide students with the necessary tools to navigate the application process.

The virtual program will be facilitated by expert staff from Penn Admissions, the Financial Aid offices, and from the College Thoughts program. All from the comfort of your own home! Again, we encourage the High School community and their parents to tune into the program together!

As a part of our MLK Symposium on Social Change, the workshop is being held on Monday, January 19, 2026 (via Zoom), 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm.

You’ll need to register via Zoom; click HERE to proceed.

Students will have the opportunity to earn community service credits needed for graduation by participating in the City-Wide Donation Project.

If you have any questions, please email Darin Toiver at toliverd@upenn.edu.

We’re always seeking new opportunities for our students through Applied Practice Experiences (APEs). This is a great way for both students and host sites to benefit from real-world public health work. Many of you have already hosted students, but we’d love to expand these partnerships further.

Note, what was once called “MPH Fieldwork” is now the MPH Applied Practice Experience. This change aligns with our accrediting body, the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). It’s the same mutually beneficial partnership with community partners, just with a fresh name.

If your organization is interested in hosting a student, please fill out the MPH Host Site Application. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Nekia Rosado directly at nekia.rosado@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.

Penn MPH Host Site Application

Please see our FAQ which outlines the Applied Practice Experience for students.

Part Time and Full Time job openings (Food Service Workers & Dish Room Workers, Cooks & Cashiers) are available with Penn Dining. On-site interviews and contingent offers will be extended during this event.

Questions? Contact Danielle Soll, HR Manager, at Danielle.Soll@cafebonappetit.com or Jazmyn Sellers, Employee Relations Specialist, at Jazmyn.Sellers@cafebonappetit.com.

Informational flyer.

We will share insights and recommendations that follow this work from the Penn community with the goals of improving ongoing civic engagement efforts on campus and seeding future collaborations on voter research.

Date and Time: Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 1:30 PM –to 3:00 PM

Location: TBD

Register.

The Upward Bound Team is looking for 3 individuals to teach elective courses and 1 individual to teach a foreign language during our 2025 Upward Bound Summer Program. Our students are particularly interested in the arts (including music, fashion design, and the fine arts), business, computer science, engineering, education, social work, and psychology.

We are looking for individuals who ideally have a background in teaching/working with high school students, have a degree or work experience in the elective topic they are teaching on, and are invested in creating a fun and engaging learning environment for students.

This position is ideal for teachers or former teachers, graduate students, small business owners, freelance creatives, and anyone with a flexible summer schedule and passion for working with and teaching high school students.

Learn more and if interested, email your resume and interview availability to Macy Smith at msmith9@upenn.edu by April 18, 2025.

We will explore how to successfully complete the College Application, Admission and Financial Aid process. We believe in the importance of empowering youth and this workshop will give students tools needed to navigate the process.

The virtual program will be facilitated by expert staff from Penn Admissions and Penn Financial Aid offices, as well as facilitators from College Thoughts, and the Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable. Again, we encourage the High School community and their parents to tune into the program!

As a part of our MLK Symposium on Social Change, the workshop is being held Monday, January 20, 2025 (via Zoom), 1:00–2:30 PM. The students will have the opportunity to earn community service credits needed for graduation by participating in the City-Wide Donation Project.

Registration HERE.

Questions? Contact Darin Toliver at toliverd@upenn.edu.

Informational flyer.

This position helps faculty and graduate students develop community engaged scholarship partnerships and identify University and community resources that could contribute to its growth and success. Informational and reflection and planning events are implemented throughout the year.  For PhD students, the position manages both a fellowship program and a summer research mentorship program which also includes faculty advisors.  These are operated in partnership with the Provost’s Office.  Previous experience with ABCS, service learning, and/or community engaged scholarship in general is required.

Learn more and apply.

Position Description: The UB Academic Instructor will construct lesson plans in a core subject (Science, Math, English, History) to meet the objectives of the course and teach 9 th -12 th grade students with no more than 25 students per class on Saturdays from October through May.

Specific Duties:

• Instruct a core subject (Science) in person on Penn campus (60%) – Modify, where appropriate, instructional methods and strategies to meet diverse students’ needs at both individual and group levels
• Construct lesson plans for a course that supports respective PSD curriculum and organize instruction in ways that maximize UB participant learning and engagement (20%) – Communicate to UB senior staff requirements for ancillary electronic textbooks, handouts, supplies, equipment, and other items needed to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement and Help maintain compliance with DOE UB program core component delivery mandates related to instruction component delivery and the quality of education
• Check-in with students to monitor and support progress in course (5%)
• Ensure that UB participant database is fully updated and accurate with data including, but not limited to, student attendance, assignment completion, and grade record information (5%)
• Responsible for building out and maintaining chosen learning management system and other Penn UB electronic content delivery and assessment platforms including course shells, master templates including syllabi, exams, banks, discussions, assignments, assessments, and grade books (5%)
• Other duties as assigned (5%)

Qualifications & Essential Skills:

• Familiarity of the Philadelphia School District Common Core curriculum and Keystone Exam
• Experience teaching high school students
• Ability to provide engaging, interactive, mission-aligned content and creative pedagogy
• Strong interest in working with a program that serves the academic needs of low-income and future first-generation college students

Start & End Dates: 10/19/24- 4/26/25
Compensation: Up to $32/hour
Hours/week: up to 8
Number of open positions: 1

Application Submission & More Information:Please submit your resume and cover letter via email to Macy Smith, Associate Director at msmith9@upenn.edu.

Deadline to apply: September 13, 2024

Position Description: The UB Academic Instructor will construct lesson plans in a core subject (Science, Math, English, History) to meet the objectives of the course and teach 9^th-12^th grade students with no more than 25 students per class on Saturdays from October through April.

Specific Duties:

• Instruct a core subject (Math) in person on Penn campus (60%)
  • Modify, where appropriate, instructional methods and strategies to meet diverse students’ needs at both individual and group levels
• Construct lesson plans for a course that supports respective PSD curriculum and organize instruction in ways that maximize UB participant learning and engagement (20%)
  • Communicate to UB senior staff requirements for ancillary electronic textbooks, handouts, supplies, equipment, and other items needed to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement
  • Help maintain compliance with DOE UB program core component delivery mandates related to instruction component delivery and the quality of education
• Check-in with students to monitor and support progress in course (5%)
• Ensure that UB participant database is fully updated and accurate with data including, but not limited to, student attendance, assignment completion, and grade record information (5%)
• Responsible for building out and maintaining chosen learning management system and other Penn UB electronic content delivery and assessment platforms including course shells, master templates including syllabi, exams, banks, discussions, assignments, assessments, and grade books (5%)
• Other duties as assigned (5%)

Qualifications & Essential Skills:

• Familiarity of the Philadelphia School District Common Core curriculum and Keystone Exam
• Experience teaching high school students
• Ability to provide engaging, interactive, mission-aligned content and creative pedagogy

Strong interest in working with a program that serves the academic needs of low-income and future first- generation college students.

Start & End Dates: 10/19/24- 4/26/25
Compensation: Up to $32/hour
Hours/week: up to 8
Number of open positions: 1

Application Submission & More Information: Please submit your resume and cover letter via email to Macy Smith, Associate Director at msmith9@upenn.edu.

Deadline to apply: September 13, 2024

The University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design has issued an open call to study projects designed in community.

Coordinated by PennPraxis, a center dedicated to the translation of theory into praxis (or action), Case Studies in Design is a new effort to create opportunities for community and design leaders to think together about ways to catalyze transformational design, planning, and place-keeping from the ground up. The program aims to learn from ambitious projects designed in community, share knowledge and experience through dialogue and a public library of case studies, and train ourselves for new practices of creative, collective action. Case study projects could range from outstanding examples of community-engaged design practice to more radical roles and results of design, planning, or place-keeping.

The goal is to study projects in which design and planning helped build community power, and where community-led processes produced new forms of agency design through: deep conversation that shaped the nature and time horizon of the project; openness and deference to rooted leadership; reciprocal (not extractive) processes, creatively designed; collaboration and resource-sharing; and new alliances to achieve leverage.

In 2024, the school will support five case study writers with a fee and expense allowance of $50,000 per author to research, write, and curate or create illustrations for a case study over a period of eight months. Fees for community members participating in interviews, travel, and other expenses will be managed by authors within the resources of the $50,000 lump sum for fee and expense.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design website.

Deadline: June 30, 2024 at 12:00 noon ET