PennCORP introduces students to the Philadelphia community through volunteer community engagement, interactive social justice workshops, and thoughtful dialogue and reflection about the social issues affecting the Philadelphia community. The program also exposes students to community engagement opportunities available to them as Penn students. PennCORP is organized by Civic House, a civic engagement center at Penn.
PennCORP participants are students are passionate about social justice issues, interested in understanding their new community, wish to engage in critical reflection about their motivations for doing community work, and want to become part of a community committed to the common good. No specific experience is necessary to apply, although many PennCORP participants have been involved in service and social justice work in high school.
Selection Process:
Each year, we receive more applications for the program than there are spaces available. Participants will be selected based upon a careful review of the applications. Each application is reviewed and rated by the staff and student leaders of the program and a consensus is reached. Those invited to participate will need to promptly complete registration forms and submit payment. Students may apply to other pre-orientation programs as well and then decide which program to attend based upon their selection status.
Cost of Program:
A $375.00 fee will cover all PennCORP activities. Financial assistance is available to eligible students who qualify for financial aid through Penn.
If you have questions, e-mail seayk@upenn.edu.
Schedule:
Below is an example schedule based on previous years. The 2023 program will run from Sunday, August 20th through Wednesday, August 23rd.
Day One:
- Morning/ Early Afternoon: Move into your College House residence for the year
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Introductions, dinner, identity workshop, social activities
Day Two:
- Morning: Early breakfast, workshop, walking tour of West Philadelphia, lunch
- Afternoon: Community Engagement Projects with Civic House’s Community Partners
- Evening: Dinner, discussions, interactive workshops, social activities
Day Three:
- Morning: Early breakfast, Community Engagement Projects with Civic House’s Community Partners
- Afternoon: Community Listening Project and reflection
- Evening: Community dinner with campus and community partners
- Social activities
Day Four:
- Morning: Early breakfast, Community Engagement Projects with Civic House’s Community Partners
- Afternoon: Reflection and culminating experience
- Evening: Dinner in West Philadelphia
- Social activities
For additional information, please contact seayk@upenn.edu.