University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice

10/27/2026

Meet Dr. Troy Nash, an online Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) student at SP2 and founder of The Nash Group Community Foundation. Shaped by his own experiences with housing insecurity, Dr. Nash is committed to advancing housing stability and breaking cycles of poverty through systems of change. At Penn, he is strengthening his nonprofit leadership skills to turn that mission into a lasting community impact. In the Q&A below, he reflects on the resources, mentorship, and lessons shaping his work as a nonprofit leader.

Why did you choose to pursue the Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) Program?
"I started a foundation and realized I needed to learn how to run it effectively. Penn stood out for its flexible curriculum, allowing me to focus on my specific knowledge gaps rather than take courses I already knew. It met me where I was in my career.”

Which Penn or NPL resources have you found most valuable to you as a student?
"The Leadership Practicum and mentor match have been invaluable. My mentor’s fundraising success offers hands-on learning I couldn’t get from a reading list. The NPL team, especially Sue Perls, has also been responsive and supportive, which makes a real difference as an online student.”

How do you hope your NPL experience will influence your career or life post graduation?
"I want the foundation to outlast me, built on strong governance and systems rather than personal relationships. Everything I learn at Penn directly informs how I run the foundation, making school and work part of the same mission.”

Learn more about SP2's Nonprofit Leadership Program (NPL): https://sp2.upenn.edu/programs/masters/master-of-science-in-nonprofit-leadership/.

10/23/2026

Dean Sara S. Bachman and researcher Siva Mathiyazhagan of the School of Social Policy & Practice speak with Penn Today about the relationship between social workers and the growing role of AI in their field.

10/23/2026

“[What excites me most about] joining SP2 is its diverse community. It's the people who really want meaningful change.”

Duane Price, an Advanced Standing Master of Social Work student, was drawn to SP2’s reputation for research, community engagement, and social impact.

Surrounded by peers and mentors who are committed to creating change, Duane is developing the skills and perspective needed to navigate challenges, continue growing as a social worker, and support communities in meaningful ways.

Through the Advanced Standing MSW program, he's building on his foundation in social work while preparing to make a lasting difference in the field.

Learn more about the Master of Social Work program and Advanced Standing track at SP2: https://sp2.upenn.edu/programs/masters/master-of-social-work/

10/22/2026

Are you ready to bring your intellect, curiosity, and creativity to tackling complex social challenges? Join a PhD in Social Welfare info session this fall!

🔹 Meet faculty and current students and explore cutting-edge research opportunities.
🔹 Get answers about admissions, funding, coursework, and career pathways.
🔹 Discover how you can contribute to transforming social welfare through rigorous scholarship.

Your future as a leader in social welfare research starts here.
🗓 Upcoming Online Info Session:
Monday, November 2, 2026 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Ready to take the next step? Reserve your spot today: https://apply.sp2.upenn.edu/register/?id=80bc163f-c6d2-4ecc-aee6-0082ddb46828

10/22/2026

What does the advancement of artificial intelligence mean for social work, a field built on human connection?

In a new Penn Today interview, School of Social Policy & Practice Dean Dr. Sara S. Bachman and researcher Dr. Siva Mathiyazhagan explore both the promise and the pitfalls of AI in social work. As contributors to the new book, "Artificial Intelligence in Social Work: Bridging Technology and Humanity," they discuss how emerging technologies are already influencing healthcare, mental health services, environmental efforts, and other systems that shape people's lives.

While AI has the potential to improve care coordination, identify policy solutions, and support communities facing complex challenges, Bachman and Mathiyazhagan emphasize the importance of ethical safeguards, equity, transparency, and community-centered approaches. As AI continues to evolve, social workers have a critical role to play in ensuring these tools advance human well-being and social good.

Read more about the opportunities, risks, and future of AI in social work: https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/ai-and-social-work-promise-progress-and-pitfalls

10/21/2026

Ready to take the next step in your social work career? Join a DSW information session and discover how SP2's program helps experienced practitioners expand their impact in practice, policy, and education.
📅 Upcoming sessions: 11/3 • 11/10 • 11/17 • 12/1 • 12/8 • 1/5 • 1/12

Advance Your Practice: Join a Doctor of Clinical Social Work (DSW) information session this fall!

Our DSW information sessions detail how the program empowers experienced practitioners to influence practice, policy, and education.

🔹 Explore flexible pathways designed for working professionals
🔹 Discover how the DSW program prepares clinical experts, inspired educators, and real-world scholars
🔹 Learn about the hybrid format: online coursework paired with in-person immersion experiences
🔹 Discover the SP2 Difference

🗓 Upcoming Info Sessions:
9/8 • 9/16 • 10/1 • 10/6 • 11/3 • 11/10 • 11/17 • 12/1 • 12/8 • 1/5 • 1/12

Ready to take the next step? Reserve your spot in an info session today:
https://bit.ly/4xYoZqI

10/21/2026

Thinking about your next step? Join a Penn SP2 Master's Information Session to explore our graduate programs, hear from admissions staff, and discover how SP2 can help you create meaningful change.
📅 10/24 (on-campus) • 11/4 • 11/17 • 12/3 • 1/14 • 1/20 • 1/26
🔗 https://sp2.upenn.edu/admissions/admissions-events/

Discover Your Future at Penn SP2: Join a Master's Information Session!

Curious about how SP2 can help you make a difference? Our Master's Information Sessions are your gateway to exploring our innovative graduate degree programs and finding the perfect fit for your passion and career goals. Join an information session to:
🔹 Hear directly from Admissions staff and program experts
🔹 Ask questions about curriculum, career paths, and application tips
🔹 Learn about financial aid, the application process, and how SP2 supports your success from day one
🔹Explore which SP2 master’s program is the right fit for you

🗓 Upcoming Info Sessions:
9/17 • 10/8 • 10/14 • 10/24 (on-campus) • 11/4 • 11/17 • 12/3 • 1/14 • 1/20 • 1/26

Your journey begins here. Reserve your spot in an info session today: https://sp2.upenn.edu/admissions-events/

10/21/2026

“My goal is to develop long-term relationships. Hopefully this will lead to professional and social support systems, new job opportunities, and maybe even community partnerships.”

Jasper Brady, an Advanced Standing Master of Social Work student, was drawn to SP2’s emphasis on hands-on, community-based learning and its commitment to preparing social workers for meaningful engagement with diverse communities.

Through classroom learning and a practicum placement closely aligned with his social work values, Jasper is gaining the experience and perspective needed to approach his work with empathy, empowerment, and an understanding of the broader factors that shape people's lives.

Learn more about the Master of Social Work program and Advanced Standing track at SP2: https://sp2.upenn.edu/programs/masters/master-of-social-work/

10/19/2026

We kicked off our speaker series, America at 250: Where Do We Go From Here?, with "The Borders of Belonging," a thought-provoking conversation featuring Dr. Yoosun Park and Dr. Michael Reisch, moderated by Ben Jealous. Together, they explored questions of citizenship, assimilation, identity, and who gets to belong in America as the nation enters its next 250 years.

📸 View photos from the event on Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD7wbS

Join us on November 18 for the next installment, "The Politics of Ending Poverty," featuring Dr. Amy Castro, Dr. Sarah Jackson, and Dr. Brent Cebul.

Learn more and register: https://sp2.upenn.edu/events/sp2-speaker-series-the-politics-of-ending-poverty/

10/19/2026