Center for Social Impact Strategy 2023 Certificate Programs

Posted by University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice on October 18, 2022

The Center for Social Impact Strategy (CSIS) a research and action center based in the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy & Practice. Our mission is to make tools and resources for social impact available to anyone, anywhere. We believe in providing cutting edge content with immediate real world application. Our programs are designed for accessibility and affordability. We have a range of options that are available to those interested in taking the next step in their learning of social impact. These include executive programs that result in a certificate from the University of Pennsylvania or residential programs that are rooted in free online education.

CSIS is currently accepting applications for our 2023 cohorts. Taking place over 6-8 months, our Executive Programs give students the tools, community, and confidence needed to effectively drive social change in their communities and work. Graduates receive a Certificate from the University of Pennsylvania and are eligible to complete the Master of Science (MS) in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) in an accelerated format. Our cohort-based programs allow students to maintain their full-time jobs, and to learn from anywhere. While most learning is done asynchronously online, each program is punctuated with synchronous and on-campus learning opportunities.

• Certificate in Social Impact Strategy, January – August 2023: Offers tools for social sector initiatives to help collaboratively cultivate healthy organizations, develop innovative services, articulate them to diverse stakeholders, and implement them in ways that reflect community values and continuous improvement.
  • Early Application deadline (with $500 discount): October 21st
  • Regular Application deadline (full tuition: $5,950): November 18th
• Certificate in Faith & Social Impact, January – August 2023: Our Social Impact Strategy curriculum tailored specifically for people working across faith and difference.
  • Early Application deadline (with $500 discount): October 21st
  • Regular Application deadline (full tuition: $5,950): November 18th
• Certificate in Digital Media for Social Impact, February – June, 2023: Developed in collaboration with Penn’s Annenberg School for Communication, the Executive Program in Digital Media for Social Impact is designed to help changemakers advance their digital media strategies.
  • Early Application deadline (with $500 discount): November 7th
  • Regular Application deadline (full tuition: $5,250): December 7th

Tuition: Fees are inclusive of all online learning and attendance at two intensive convenings. Please see individual program pages, linked above, for details.

Other costs: Students pay their own travel and lodging for in-person learning at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in March. This only applies to the executive programs in SIS and DMSI.

Timing:  6-8 months, with orientation in January/February and completion in June/September. Students should set aside 4-8 hours per week to complete the program curriculum requirements.

Deliverables: Each of our programs was designed such that working on the assignments aligns with and supports what they’re working on in their organizations or communities. All assignments will be completed using our frameworks and tools about the student’s organization or social impact initiative. Students engage with these applied assignments from the very first week of our programs, and we encourage students to share assignments and collaborate with coworkers and colleagues throughout the program.