How do I apply?

Application instructions will be available on May 15, 2009

How many students apply?

Each year, we receive more applications for the program than there are spaces available. Participants will be selected based upon a careful review of the applications submitted by the deadline, June 30th, 2009.  Each application is reviewed and rated by the staff and student leaders of the program and a consensus is reached.  After selections are made, every applicant will be notified of their status by July 10th, 2009.  Those invited to participate will need to promptly complete registration forms and submit payment.  Students may apply to other pre-orientation programs as well and then decide which program to attend based upon their selection status.

I wasn’t involved in community service in high school. Should I still apply?

Yes! We encourage everyone interested in learning more about their new community and the various ways to be involved to apply to PennCORP. Past community service or advocacy experience is not a prerequisite for applying.

Can I apply to more than one pre-orientation program?

You can apply to more than one pre-orientation program, but you must make a commitment to only one program.

Can I participate in more than one pre-orientation program?

The PennCORP schedule is very full and all participants are expected to take part in the entire program. It is expected that participants have no other commitments from August 30th to September 2nd.

When will I know if I am accepted?

Letters of acceptance will be sent in mid July.

What is the purpose of PennCORP?

PennCORP seeks to introduce participants to their new community, with a focus on community service and advocacy. The program is comprised of workshops and service that introduce participants to the many different approaches to working effectively and responsibly in their community. To find out more about PennCORP, click here.

What will we be doing for the week?

PennCORP is a combination of education, service, and reflection. You will spend your time learning about your track issue (2009 tracks included urban education, urban health, or urban poverty), hearing speakers, attending workshops, going on tours, and engaging in service activities. You will definitely also spend time socializing and meeting new people at Penn and in your new neighborhood. For a better indication of what the week’s schedule looks like, click here.

What is a typical day of PennCORP like?

Most days start early and end late with a few breaks throughout the day. You will participate in workshops, listen to speakers, take tours, and engage in community service activities. There will also be optional social events in the evenings. To see a sample schedule, click here.

What are the workshops like?

The coordinators work hard to make every minute of your experience fun, rewarding, and educational. To learn more about some potential workshops, click here.

Who runs PennCORP?

PennCORP is a program of Civic House at the University of Pennsylvania. The program is run by three student coordinators supported by three full time Civic House Staff, along with the support of many student volunteers.

What is Civic House?

Civic House is the hub for community service and advocacy at Penn. It houses a wide range of student-led initiatives that work with the Philadelphia community. Civic House is a white three-story house nestled among the three high-rise college houses. You can learn more about Civic House at www.vpul.upenn.edu/civichouse.

When will the actual PennCORP program start and end?

PennCORP will start at about 4pm on Sunday, August 30th and end after dinner on September 2nd.