A strategic framework for the University
In Benjamin Franklin’s words, “draw down the lightning” was a call to pursue the power of knowledge for the benefit of humanity. Through a series of Draw Down the Lightning grants, Penn aims to energize activity around Penn’s highest aspirations and pressing imperatives.
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The Final Report of the University Task Force on Antisemitism offers actionable recommendations that harness the collective strengths and core missions of Penn, while also countering antisemitism.
The Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community was charged to address bias, discrimination, and hate on campus as Penn strives to be a community that leads with care and compassion. To learn more, read the Final Report.
The implementation of recommendations from both the Task Force and Presidential Commission is ongoing and evolving. To read progress updates, please visit the Supporting our Community website.
Intended to strengthen Penn's commitment to innovation, the President’s Innovation Prize(link is external) will provide a graduating Penn senior, or team of graduating seniors, $100,000 (plus a $50,000 living stipend per team member) to envision and implement an innovative, commercial venture that makes a positive difference in the world.
Intended to strengthen Penn's commitment to impactful global, national, and local student engagement, the President’s Engagement Prizes(link is external) will provide recipients with up to $150,000 ($50,000 for living expenses for each student recipient, plus up to $100,000 for project implementation expenses) to develop and implement a promising local, national, or global engagement project during the year after graduation.