Civic Scholars

Penn Civic Scholars is a unique program providing undergraduates with a sustained four-year experience in civic engagement and scholarship.  The program culminates in certification upon graduation and designation as a Civic Scholar on the student's transcript.  

The Civic Scholars program is based on a few basic principles:

  • Civic engagement and academic work are mutually reinforcing.
  • Meaningful and sustained involvement in community affairs while at Penn is the base for life-long civic commitments and contributions.
  • Undergraduates can conduct significant applied social and public policy research through a multi-year preparatory process.
  • Forming a community of dedicated students and faculty will encourage distinctive civic service and scholarship.
Course Requirements
Civic Scholars Proseminar 1
URBS 0015A & 0015B
Academically-Based Service Courses 1
Attribute: UNAS
Social Issues2
Attribute: UNCS
Capstone Course or Project / Research Methodology1
Attribute: UNCP, UNCR
Non-Course Requirements 1
Community Engagement (4 semesters)
Summer Internship
Capstone Project
Total Course Units5


 

1

Community Engagement Commitment: Participation in community service or social advocacy work for a minimum of four semesters. Community engagement should entail at least 15 hours per semester, ideally through an ongoing commitment of one (1) or more hours per week. 

Summer Internship: Engagement in a full-time summer internship in a non-profit, government, or other public interest setting in the United States or abroad, preferably after the sophomore or junior year. 

Capstone Project: Civic Scholars are required to complete a community-engaged capstone project by the spring of their senior year.