About the Center

We are a research and action center based in the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy & Practice. Our mission is to make tools and resources for social impact available to anyone, anywhere. We believe in providing cutting edge content with immediate real world application. Our programs are designed for accessibility and affordability.

More than 1,000 CSIS alumni work around the globe, in disciplines crossing over from private sector, public sector, and nonprofit work.

Executive Programs with CSIS offer graduates a certificate from the University of Pennsylvania.

The Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy convenes at the University of Pennsylvania for face-time with instructors and community building across the cohort.

CSIS emphasizes human-centered design across all curriculum.

CSIS offers residential programs for individuals as well as teams.

Once a year, CSIS offers a credit-bearing travel course for current Penn students (undergraduate and graduate).

Students in Penn Impact Lab caught the sunset at the end of their first volunteer shift in the Grand Canyon.

During Penn Impact Lab 2017 in Nicaragua, students took yoga and acro-yoga classes at a cliff-side beach hotel, before their day of learning.

Group of people looking at the camera

Dr. Peter Frumkin – Faculty Director at CSIS – leads a month-long summer fellowship for PhD candidates in social impact.

CSIS’ residential programs take place in nature to recenter participants on
professional and personal goals.

Prior Global Social Impact House locations include Belize, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico.

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