Penn Launches Statewide Engagement Initiative to Strengthen Community and Academic Partnerships Across Pennsylvania

Penn University Launches Initiative to Deepen Engagement with Pennsylvania Communities

Philadelphia, PA – The University of Pennsylvania has announced a new program designed to significantly increase its involvement and collaboration with communities throughout the state of Pennsylvania. The Penn Commonwealth-Engaged Scholars (PCES) Program, funded by the University’s inaugural Draw Down the Lightning grants, aims to bridge a long-standing gap between the institution and the wider Commonwealth.

addressing a “Familiarity Deficit”

For decades, the University of Pennsylvania, as the commonwealth’s oldest higher education institution, has maintained a largely Philadelphia-centric focus. This new initiative, aligned with Penn’s strategic framework, In principle and Practice, directly confronts this “familiarity deficit.” The program intends to establish Penn as a committed partner, contributing inventive solutions to widespread issues faced by Pennsylvanians.

The Inaugural Cohort of Scholars

The first group of Penn Commonwealth-Engaged Scholars comprises ten faculty and staff members,each bringing unique expertise to address local concerns. These individuals are:

name	Title
Laura Garnick Bellet	Director of Strategic Communications Projects, Penn Central Progress and Alumni Relations
Julie Berger	Senior Associate Director, office of School & Community Engagement, Penn GSE
Vanessa Chan	Vice Dean of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Penn Engineering
Selena A. Gilles	Practice Professor and Associate Dean for School and Community Engagement, Penn Nursing
David A. Hill	Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine
Aaron Levy	Senior Lecturer of english and the History of Art, School of Arts & Sciences
Irina Marinov	Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Science, School of Arts & Sciences
cypress Marrs	Research Associate, Penn Housing Initiative, Weitzman School of Design
Desmond Upton Patton	Penn Integrates Knowledge (PIK) University Professor, School of Social Policy & Practice and Annenberg School for Communication
Carlos Gray santana	Associate Professor of philosophy, School of Arts & Sciences

Immersive Experiences and Collaborative Learning

Scholars selected for the program will undertake specialized briefings covering Pennsylvania’s history, political landscape, and diverse socio-economic regions. These briefings are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Commonwealth. Furthermore, the PCES initiative includes planned visits to communities across Pennsylvania, encompassing bustling urban centers like Pittsburgh, rural areas such as Williamsport and Benezette, and the state capital, Harrisburg. The visits will also incorporate locations meaningful to Pennsylvania’s energy sector.

Did You Know? Pennsylvania’s diverse geography and economy reflect a microcosm of the United States, making it an ideal location for studying national trends and challenges.

Leadership and Vision

The program is jointly led by Lia Howard, Director of Fellows and Director of the Political Empathy Lab; Michael Smith, Senior Director of Commonwealth Relations; F. Hoopes Wampler, Senior Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations; and Antonia M. Villarruel, Dean of Penn Nursing.

dean Villarruel emphasized, “The goal of the PCES program is to embed our University within the lives of those we serve, weaving our knowledge and innovation into the fabric of every community across the Commonwealth.”

Dr. Howard added, “Dialog sparks creativity and I am eager to see our curiosity grow as we journey together this academic year.” Dr. Smith noted, “Pennsylvania presents many of the pressing public problems seen nationwide, offering our faculty and staff a unique possibility to apply their expertise for the betterment of society.” Dr. Wampler highlighted the importance of strengthening ties with Penn’s extensive alumni network within Pennsylvania.

Pro Tip: Successful community engagement requires active listening and a genuine commitment to understanding local needs and perspectives.

Members of the PCES program will be eligible to apply for Commonwealth Engagement grants, providing funding for community-driven projects, services, and research.

The Broader Trend of University-Community Engagement

The Penn initiative reflects a growing national trend of universities seeking to become more deeply involved in the communities they serve. According to a recent report by the National Academies of Sciences,Engineering,and Medicine,universities are increasingly recognized as anchor institutions,possessing significant economic and intellectual resources that can benefit local communities. This shift emphasizes a move away from an “ivory tower” model to one of reciprocal partnerships and mutual benefit. The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education now includes a Community Engagement designation, further incentivizing and recognizing universities’ commitment to public service.

What are your thoughts on universities taking a more active role in addressing community issues? How can these types of programs best ensure meaningful and lasting impact?

Share this article and let us know your opinion in the comments below.

## Penn Partnership for Pennsylvania: A Summary

Pennsylvania’s higher education landscape is poised for a important shift as the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) rolls out a comprehensive,statewide engagement initiative designed to foster deeper connections between its academic resources and communities across the Commonwealth. Officially launching September 9th, 2025, this program aims to address critical state challenges through collaborative research, experiential learning, and resource sharing. This article delves into the specifics of the initiative, its potential impact, and how Pennsylvania residents and organizations can participate.

Understanding the Scope of the Penn Partnership Program

The initiative, dubbed the “Penn Partnership for Pennsylvania,” isn’t a single program, but rather an umbrella encompassing several existing and newly created efforts. Its a direct response to Governor Shapiro’s call for increased university-community partnerships and a commitment to bolstering Pennsylvania’s economic and social well-being. Key components include:

Expanded Civic Engagement: increasing opportunities for Penn students to participate in service learning projects throughout Pennsylvania,focusing on areas like education,healthcare,and environmental sustainability.

Research Collaboration Grants: funding opportunities for Penn faculty to partner with Pennsylvania-based organizations – non-profits, businesses, and government agencies – on applied research projects addressing local needs. These grants prioritize projects with demonstrable community impact.

Faculty Fellowships in Pennsylvania: A new fellowship program placing Penn faculty members in residency with Pennsylvania state agencies or local governments, providing expert consultation and support.

Resource Sharing & Technical Assistance: Making Penn’s extensive resources – including its libraries, laboratories, and expertise in areas like data analytics and urban planning – accessible to partners across the state.

Workforce Development Programs: Tailored training and skill-building programs designed to address pennsylvania’s workforce needs, especially in high-demand sectors like technology and healthcare.

Focus Areas & Targeted Communities

While the initiative is statewide, initial efforts will concentrate on several key areas identified as critical to Pennsylvania’s future. These include:

Rural Economic Development: Supporting revitalization efforts in rural communities through small business support, agricultural innovation, and infrastructure development.

Healthcare Access & Equity: Addressing disparities in healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities, through telehealth initiatives, community health worker training, and medical research.

Environmental Sustainability & Climate Resilience: Collaborating on projects related to renewable energy, water quality, and climate adaptation, with a focus on protecting Pennsylvania’s natural resources.

Education & Workforce Readiness: Improving educational outcomes and preparing Pennsylvania students for the jobs of the future through STEM education, career counseling, and apprenticeship programs.

Criminal Justice Reform: Partnering with local organizations to address issues related to re-entry programs, police-community relations, and alternatives to incarceration.

Benefits of the Penn Partnership for pennsylvania

The potential benefits of this initiative are far-reaching, impacting both Penn and the communities it serves.

For Pennsylvania Communities: Access to world-class expertise, increased research funding, enhanced workforce development opportunities, and solutions to pressing local challenges.

For Penn University: Enhanced research opportunities, increased student engagement, strengthened relationships with stakeholders, and a greater sense of social obligation.

For Pennsylvania Businesses: Access to cutting-edge research, a skilled workforce pipeline, and opportunities for innovation and growth.

For Penn Students: Valuable experiential learning opportunities, real-world problem-solving experience, and a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Pennsylvania.

Real-World Examples & Early Collaborations

Prior to the official launch, Penn has already initiated several pilot projects that foreshadow the scope of the statewide initiative.

The West Philadelphia Energy Line Project: A collaboration between Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science and the City of Philadelphia to develop a microgrid powered by renewable energy sources, serving as a model for other Pennsylvania communities.

The Lancaster County Agricultural Innovation Hub: A partnership between penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine and local farmers to develop sustainable agricultural practices and improve animal health.

The Scranton Workforce Development Initiative: A collaboration between Penn’s Wharton School and local businesses to provide training and skill-building programs in the healthcare sector.

these early collaborations demonstrate the potential for Penn’s expertise to address real-world challenges and drive positive change across Pennsylvania.

how to Get involved: A Guide for stakeholders

The Penn Partnership for Pennsylvania offers various avenues for engagement.

for Pennsylvania Organizations:

1. Visit the Penn Partnership Website: (website address to be added upon launch) – This will be the central hub for data about funding opportunities, partnership requests, and upcoming events.
2. Submit a Partnership Proposal: Organizations can submit proposals outlining their needs and potential areas for collaboration with Penn faculty and students.
3. Attend Information Sessions: Penn will host a series of information sessions across the state to provide details about the initiative and answer questions.

For penn Faculty & Students:

1. Explore Research Grant Opportunities: The Penn Office of Research will announce funding opportunities specifically for projects with Pennsylvania-based partners.
2. Participate in Civic Engagement Programs: The Penn Center for Community Engagement offers a variety of service learning and volunteer opportunities throughout the state.
3. Consider a Faculty Fellowship: Penn faculty members can apply for fellowships to spend time working with Pennsylvania state agencies or local governments.

Measuring Success & Long-Term Vision

Penn is committed to rigorously evaluating the impact of the Penn Partnership for Pennsylvania.Key metrics will include:

Number of partnerships established.

Amount of research funding directed to Pennsylvania-based projects.

Number of students participating in service learning programs.

* Measurable improvements in key indicators in targeted communities (e.g., economic growth, healthcare access, environmental quality).

The long-term vision is to create a sustainable model for university-community engagement that strengthens Pennsylvania’s economy, improves the quality of life for its residents, and positions the Commonwealth as a leader in innovation and social progress. This initiative represents a significant investment in Pennsylvania’s future, leveraging the power of higher education to address the state’s moast pressing challenges. Pennsylvania higher education,community development,and economic growth are all central to the success of this program.