UPenn offers $9,949 ‘Social Justice Research Academy’ summer camp for high schoolers – Campus Reform

University of Pennsylvania Launches Social Justice Research Academy for High School Students

Program Overview and Objectives

The University of Pennsylvania School of Arts and Sciences is offering a three-week Social Justice Research Academy for high school students from July 5 to 26. The program aims to engage students globally in an in-depth exploration of social justice issues, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Gender Equality (SDG 5), and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).

The tuition fee for this academy is $9,949, as per the university’s official data.

Curriculum Focus and Social Justice Themes

The academy curriculum covers a broad spectrum of contemporary social justice topics, emphasizing critical analysis and advocacy. Key areas of study include:

1. Abortion and Women’s Rights (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 5: Gender Equality)
2. Gun Control and Public Safety (SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)
3. LGBTQ Rights and Inclusion (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities)
4. Effects of Poverty on Children (SDG 1: No Poverty; SDG 2: Zero Hunger)

Additional topics from previous sessions have incorporated:

• Climate Change (SDG 13: Climate Action)
• Immigration and Refugee Policy (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)
• #BlackLivesMatter Movement (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities)
• Disability Studies (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities)
• Faith and Interfaith Leadership (SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)
• Affordable Housing and Prison Reform (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)
• Healthcare Access and Anti-Racism (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities)

Program Activities and Student Engagement

The academy integrates various educational methods to enhance student learning and engagement:

• Lectures by experts and advocates in relevant social justice fields
• Field trips to significant Philadelphia landmarks to contextualize social issues
• Capstone projects that encourage creative and critical expression

Examples of past student projects include:

• Graphic novel comparing sex education systems in China and the United States
• Spoken word performance addressing gun violence among Black men in Philadelphia
• Slide presentations on the reception of American Muslim women wearing the hijab
• Video documentaries exploring the history and impact of redlining

Broader Context: Social Justice Education in Higher Institutions

Other universities are also offering social justice-themed summer programs for high school students, reinforcing the global commitment to SDGs such as Quality Education and Reduced Inequalities:

• Tulane University: Programs focusing on queer theory and Black feminism
• Smith College: Courses exploring queer love stories and reproductive justice, including critical feminist and queer theories on gender in sports

Conclusion

The University of Pennsylvania’s Social Justice Research Academy exemplifies an educational initiative that fosters awareness and action on critical social issues, directly contributing to the advancement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals. By equipping young learners with knowledge and advocacy skills, the program supports the global agenda for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Issues such as abortion, reproductive justice, and access to health care relate directly to health and well-being.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The Social Justice Research Academy and other educational programs promote inclusive and equitable quality education.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Topics like LGBTQ rights, reproductive justice, feminist theories, and gender in sport address gender equality and empowerment.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Discussions on poverty, racial justice (#BlackLivesMatter), anti-racism, anti-Semitism, and social justice aim to reduce inequalities.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Issues such as prison reform, international human rights, and civil rights relate to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
6. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Topics like affordable housing, food deserts, and redlining relate to sustainable urban development and community resilience.
7. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Climate change is mentioned as a previous subject, linking to climate action goals.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including gender equality and human rights.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote social, economic and political inclusion of all.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making.
6. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
7. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Indicator 3.7.1: Proportion of women of reproductive age who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods.
   • Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services.
2. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which education for sustainable development and global citizenship is mainstreamed at all levels.
3. SDG 5 Indicators
   • Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex.
   • Indicator 5.6.1: Proportion of women aged 15-49 years who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use and reproductive health care.
4. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities.
5. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence who reported their victimization to competent authorities.
   • Indicator 16.7.2: Proportion of population who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive.
6. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing.
7. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning into primary, secondary and tertiary curricula.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: campusreform.org