Penn Social Impact Lab

A one week program for UPenn’s emerging impact leaders.

Every year, Penn Social Impact Lab brings together 20 emerging leaders across multiple graduate schools. Students explore their passion and purpose, connect with a community of changemakers, and learn the leadership skills necessary to create positive social change.

NPLD 585 is a 7-day, off-site, intensive residential course in social innovation. Students will learn how innovation and entrepreneurship play a central role in public problem solving. We will explore how social entrepreneurs co-develop new ideas with key stakeholders, articulate problems and solutions, define intended impact, understand competition, and collaborate with other actors. At the end of the course, students will have mastered a set of conceptual tools and strategies that will allow them to be effective problem solvers in diverse settings throughout their careers. Bring your purpose, passions, and social impact goals to share.

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Stay tuned for 2026 information

Inspirational Setting

Learn, work, and play in a stimulating and peaceful environment.

Learn by Doing

Acquire the knowledge to turn a skill or passion into a concrete plan for social impact.

Digital Detox

Disconnect from technology and intentionally reconnect with your personal purpose.

Mentorship

Be asked the challenging questions from experienced leaders to support and encourage creative risk-taking.

Leadership Skills

Gain tools to strengthen your leadership, by applying our hands-on curriculum.

Powerful Community

Build meaningful connections with students and faculty across Penn.

Key Details

Dates: March 9 – 15, 2025
Location: Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
Program Fee: $800 (not including tuition)
Registration Deadline: November 2024

Teaching Team

Peter Frumkin

Faculty Director

Adam Roth-Saks

Instructor & CSIS Finance Manager

Montana Tamny

Program Manager

Location

PIL students will study and live at the Chilamate Rainforest Eco Retreat, nestled in the rainforest of Sarapiqui, Costa Rica. Chilamate is a family run conservation center, with the mission of promoting sustainable tourism. The Retreat is well connected within the local community, creating an enriching experience for its guests. Chilamate has a long history of hosting various retreats, including nature, yoga, and educational experiences .

Schedule

Day 1

Arrival

Settle in with our hosts at the Chilamate Rainforest Eco Retreat.

Day 2

Observation and Empathy

Learn the fundamentals of observation and empathy for social innovation.

Day 3

Collaboration and Brainstorming

Practice collaborative problem solving.

Day 4

Workshopping

Refine a practical social innovation design brief, and practice the art of storytelling.

Day 5

Life Lab and Community Service

Explore work and life views, while taking in your surroundings in the rainforest of Sarapiqui.

Day 6

Leadership Development

Develop personal goals and embrace failure.

Day 7

Departure

Return home.

“I fully expected to learn a lot about design thinking and personal leadership development (and I did). What I did not expect was the strong sense of community and support that so quickly developed! I think that the relationships that were built was the core of the class, and all other learning was strengthened because of that.”

2019 Student

“My experience is best described in three words: rejuvenation, reflective, and grounded. Spending several days out of the city, where I am constantly in a hurry to finish what is next, I was forced to hit pause at Acadia. This was a good opportunity to reflect on my life so far and equip myself with the tools to take the next best step forward. The PIL community is an inspiring one and has once again reminded me the importance of openness and acceptance.”

2019 Student

“I really loved this course and I came away rejuvenated and with hope for humanity! The week really enforced the notion that in order to grow we have to be present and I loved the concentrated time on the different experiences we had. I was able to take the time to think through ideas in a new way, and loved the coaching and prompts. The PIL community was fantastic, encompassing and warm.”

2019 Student

FAQ

Do I need a social venture or a project to enroll?

No. We encourage any students with a creative mindset and the drive to make the world a better place to enroll. Penn Social Impact Lab is as much about honing your leadership skills and developing a social impact skillset as it is dreaming about your venture. We welcome students to register regardless of whether or not you currently have a venture.

What is included in the $800 program fee?

The fee covers all programming and training-related costs, including housing and on-site meals, and a shuttle to our residential location from San José, Costa Rica. Personal travel outside of the program dates and the provided shuttle is not included, nor is travel insurance.

Is this just for upperclassmen or graduate students? What schools?

We created this program especially for graduate (full-time and part-time). Penn Social Impact Lab is open to students in all 12 Penn schools.

‘Social impact’ is new to me; should I still enroll?

Our team looks for people with positive attitudes more than a particular type of resume. If you’re excited by this program and believe you could learn, grow, and support your peers, we invite you to register. And if you’re seasoned in the social impact space, we also invite you to register. This community of peers will be strongest when it is most diverse.

Who will be teaching at PSIL?

You’ll work with an amazing and diverse team of faculty on leadership skills, design thinking, business strategy, and research methods. Our staff is a blend of facilitators, practitioners, and researchers. You’ll be surrounded by seasoned and successful social entrepreneurs providing coaching and mentorship.

What happens after the program?

Participants return to a community of alumni at Penn supporting one another in their personal and professional goals.

What if I can’t make it the whole time?

We ask for full participation from registered students. Any person who is enrolled and commits to the program will be expected to be present for both virtual sessions and all of the residential program, from March 9 – 15, 2025.