Civic Engagement
As Penn is part of a larger ecosystem, it is important for us to consider our impacts and how we can best engage with our neighborhood and beyond. Be a part of the transformative power of civic engagement, and create meaningful change for a sustainable future.
Civic Engagement
As Penn is part of a larger ecosystem, it is important for us to consider our impacts and how we can best engage with our neighborhood and beyond. Be a part of the transformative power of civic engagement, and create meaningful change for a sustainable future.
Civic engagement is central to the intellectual experience at Penn. Civic awareness and action are woven into campus life with programs like Creating Canopy, the Civic Sustainability Fellows program, and environmental justice events.
Our community spirit grows while learning and working in service to society, service made possible through Penn’s programs and partners. The impact of Penn’s civic outreach begins in our immediate neighborhoods and expands across our region and beyond.
Our Progress
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Programs
Creating Canopy
In urban areas, trees help with stormwater management, natural cooling, critical wildlife habitat, and the overall well-being of our city. That’s why Penn spearheads the Creating Canopy program, which gives away free trees to Greater Philadelphia residents. Creating Canopy is proudly in support of the City of Philadelphia’s Philly Tree Plan and the continued greening of urban areas.
Ivy Plus Sustainability Collaborative
Ivy+ is on a mission to advance excellence in global sustainability. With 30 sustainability offices in action across leading US research institutions, the Collaborative’s objective is to inform institutional strategic priorities to advance sustainability. They do so through trend forecasting, best practices, and collective impact data reporting to executive leadership. Penn serves on the Executive team and recently hosted the Ivy+ summit in 2023 and continues to participate in and collaborate with the Ivy+ group.
PHENND Sustainability
Penn is actively turning higher education facilities into anchors of civic responsibility and partners for community improvement. This transformative change happens through PHENND Sustainability, a consortium of Greater Philadelphia colleges and universities working together to embed sustainability in local communities and schools.
Civic Sustainability Fellows Program
Discover internships through Penn's Civic Sustainability Fellows program. Here, we nurture the next generation of sustainability and social equity leaders. Students learn and grow through professional development and real-world opportunities.
Off-campus Move Out
In partnership with the Office of Social Equity and Community, Penn Sustainability is improving campus move-out days by reducing litter and providing resources for handling unwanted items, including donation drop-off stations and collaboration with neighborhood groups.
Resources
Penn Commuter Survey 2023 Report
Report from survey conducted in Spring 2023 of staff and faculty commuting habits and preferences at the University of Pennsylvania.
2023FY Climate and Sustainability Action Plan (CSAP3.0) Annual Report
Progress on Penn's Climate and Sustainability Action Plan strategies during FY2023.
LEED Buildings Projects Map
A map of LEED certified buildings across Penn's campus.
Partners
Learn about the partners and people who drive Penn’s civic engagement programs to success.
