About SP2
Vision
Entering its second century of leadership in social work theory and practice, the School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) seeks to further its contributions as one of the nation’s leading centers of knowledge development, knowledge transfer and knowledge application in the human services. This vision is integral to and reflected in all aspects of the School’s educational and research programs as well as in its work on the Penn campus, in the Philadelphia community, and in our social change efforts nationally and internationally.
Mission
The School of Social Policy & Practice contributes to the advancement of more effective, efficient and humane human services through education, research and civic engagement. In pursuit of this mission, our theory-based masters and doctoral programs in social work, social welfare, non-profit leadership and social policy encourage students to think and work across disciplinary lines and cultures as well as across national and international boundaries. The pursuit of social justice is at the heart of the School’s knowledge-building activities. Our innovative educational and research programs reinforce our vision of active student engagement in their own learning as well as that of social agencies and larger social collectivities organized at the local, national and international levels.
Values
Consistent with its mission and the principles for practice outlined in its seminal document, The Penn Approach, the School of Social Policy & Practice:
- supports the capacity of people to work individually and collectively in advancing social justice for themselves and for people everywhere;
- values diversity and actively works toward the elimination of all forms of social oppression and the empowerment of oppressed people everywhere in securing access to internationally protected human rights and a more equitable share of social, political and economic resources; and,
- believes in the power of innovative, interdisciplinary, education and research to develop strategies that will enhance well-being, overcome intolerance, and advance social work and social welfare theory and practice.
