PennCORP
Mission
PennCORP introduces students to the Philadelphia community through community partner site visits, 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.
Do I Need Experience?
PennCORP participants are students who 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. Participants will be provided with an optional reading/watch list that provides context on different social issues in Philadelphia prior to beginning PennCORP.
Who Leads the Program?
PennCORP is led by two Student Directors and eight Student Leaders. Student Directors spend the summer selecting participants, preparing the curriculum, and collaborating with Civic House staff members. Student Leaders return to campus just before PennCORP to engage in training and prepare for CORPies (program participants) to join us on campus!
PennCORP 2025 Team
- Aaliyah Campbell ’26, Director
- Corey Brooks ’26, Director
- Sunya Afrasiabi ’28, Student Leader
- Hazel Ekeke ’27, Student Leader
- Daniel Katz ’28, Student Leader
- Nikhil Pochana ’28, Student Leader
- Joel Ponce ’27, Student Leader
- Jasmine Simpson ’28, Student Leader
- Javier St. Remy ’27, Student Leader
- Daniya Tennant ’28, Student Leader
What Do We Do During the Program?
During PennCORP, participants will engage in interactive workshops, reflection, community partner site visits, and student-only community building activities. CORPies are matched into “home groups” where they can connect with a smaller group of participants and leaders. A sample schedule is below.
Day One:
Morning/ Early Afternoon: Move into your College House residence for the year
Late Afternoon/Evening: Meet your home group and student leaders, dinner, Opening Circle, Workshop 1
Day Two:
Morning: Early breakfast, Workshop 2, lunch
Afternoon: Site visits with community organizations in Philadelphia, Snacks
Evening: Dinner, Workshop 3, Social Activities
Day Three:
Morning: Early breakfast, Workshop 4, lunch
Afternoon: Site visits with community organizations in Philadelphia, Snacks
Evening: Dinner, Discussions, Civic House Involvement Fair, Workshop 5, Optional social activities
Day Four:
Morning: Early breakfast, Workshop 6
Afternoon: Real Talk (students only conversation) over lunch, Closing Circle
Hear From Our Students
Admission & Requirements
A $375.00 fee will cover all lodging, meals, transportation, materials, and activities. Financial assistance is available to eligible students who qualify for financial aid through Penn.
To learn more, please see the Penn Pre-Orientation website.