The University of Pennsylvania Launches a $9,949 “Social Justice Research Academy” for High School Students
This summer, the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution, is set to host a three-week program titled the “Social Justice Research Academy,” aimed at high school students. Running from July 5 to July 26, 2025, this initiative is organized by Penn’s School of Arts and Sciences and is tailored for young minds eager to delve into the intricacies of social justice.
According to the university’s website, the academy promises to unite students globally for an immersive experience exploring the historical and contemporary dimensions of social justice.
Participants will take part in daily classes and workshops led by esteemed Penn faculty, teaching fellows, and guest speakers. The curriculum encompasses pressing issues such as gun control, abortion rights, LGBTQ rights, and the narratives that shape our history.
Topics on the agenda include pivotal historical struggles (like the American Revolution, slavery and abolition, suffrage, and civil rights) alongside contemporary challenges (such as climate change, immigration policy, LGBTQ rights, and the #BlackLivesMatter movement). Additional subjects include disability studies, social justice in faith contexts, intersectionality, affordable housing, prison reform, the #MeToo movement, food deserts, healthcare access, and biases within educational materials.
While the tuition covers on-campus accommodation, meals from Monday to Friday, and access to Penn’s facilities, it does not include a $100 application fee, travel expenses, or personal costs. Notably, students from public or charter schools in Philadelphia may qualify for scholarships, offering them a chance to attend for free. Admission to this non-credit program requires a high school transcript, a recommendation letter, and two essays of 400 words each.
As reported by Campus Reform, other institutions are also rolling out social justice-themed programs for high school students this summer. For instance, Tulane University is currently offering courses on “queer theory” and “Black feminism,” while Smith College will soon start a program exploring “queer love stories” and “reproductive justice.”
One course at Smith College titled “Gender in Sport” highlights the examination of gender histories in sports and physical education, utilizing critical feminist and queer theories to analyze how sports reinforce or challenge prevailing inequalities.
WATCH:
