University of Pennsylvania - Overview

• 6 weeks, PENN summer high school program in Philadelphia for students completing grades 10, 11, 12
• 4 weeks, Science & Visual Arts high school summer programs for students completing grades 9, 10, 11, 12
• Intensive Penn Summer High School Academies: Biomedical Research, Physics, Political Science and Visual Arts
• Ivy League education, world-class experience
• Nearly 50 college credit & enrichment courses
• College visits and excursions throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, New York City and Washington, DC
• Apply now to the PENN Summer High School Programs.

Why PENN?

University of Pennsylvania: Ivy League tradition in an exciting summer setting. Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania is the oldest university in the United States. Stroll through the tree-lined walkways among the historic and contemporary buildings on campus, and be a part of both the Ivy League tradition and the cutting-edge academics that define the University of Pennsylvania. For the past decade, students from the United States and around the world have experienced their first taste of college life through summer academic programs at the University of Pennsylvania. Last year high school students from 28 states and 25 countries attended Summer Discovery @ University of Pennsylvania.

The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

The University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League university and world-class research institution with a history of innovation in education. You’ll also find an architecturally stunning campus amidst a vibrant city. Penn’s students reflect the spirit of its founder, Benjamin Franklin: entrepreneurship, innovation, invention, outreach, and a pragmatic love of knowledge.

The University of Pennsylvania is home to a diverse undergraduate student body of approximately 10,000, who come from all 50 states and all around the world. Another 10,000 students are enrolled in Penn’s 12 graduate and professional schools, which are national leaders in their fields. Penn consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. An educational leader since its inception, the School of Arts & Sciences boasts a faculty which includes Nobel laureates, Guggenheim fellows, Pulitzer Prize winners, and Fulbright and  Rhodes Scholars. The School of Arts & Sciences, the Wharton School of Business, Graduate School of Education, Law School, School of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, and Annenberg School for Communication all rank among the top 10 schools in their fields. 

From Penn’s campus, Philadelphia’s historic sites can be reached in minutes, and New York and Washington are just hours away. The Penn campus has the country’s largest open-stack library, state-of-the-art research labs, and world-class museums.

Living and Learning Together in One Residence Hall

All Summer Discovery students live together in one residence hall—a special feature of our programs. This enables students and staff to develop a close-knit community living under one roof. Although our students benefit from the greater university community, they have a distinct “home” on campus, which provides immeasurable social, educational and safety benefits.

The Quad: Residence Hall

You will reside in the Quadrangle (better known as the Quad), 38 interlocking buildings surrounding five interior courtyards. The Quad is fully air-conditioned and secure, and features lounges with big-screen TVs, study areas, laundry, ping-pong, and vending machines. It offers residents easy access to all University facilities, restaurants, convenience stores, and other services needed for an active and stimulating environment. All rooms and common space have wireless Internet access and 65-channel cable service.

Food For Thought

Students can choose to eat at the 1920 Commons (all-you-care-to-eat) or Houston Market, Monday through Friday. Both venues offer a wide selection of dietary choices, including vegetarian and kosher options. Residential students receive three meals per day Monday through Friday and brunch and dinner on Sunday. Day/commuting students receive lunch Monday through Friday.

Health, Safety, and Security

• The health, safety and security of each student is our primary concern.
• Doctor appointments are arranged with University of Pennsylvania’s Student Health Services.
• After-hours and emergency care is provided at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (ranked the best children’s hospital in the country).
• Summer Discovery staff make all medical appointments, transport and accompany students to medical facilities, obtain prescription medications and notify parents after medical visits.
• All University residences are equipped with 24-hour monitoring of building entrances. Public Safety maintains 225 exterior “blue light” emergency telephones, strategically located on and off campus.
• Walking escorts are available from the library to your residence hall.
• Resident counselors live in the same secure residence hall with Penn summer high school students.
• For additional safety, there are daily/nightly sign-ins and room checks.
• In keeping with a collegiate atmosphere, students are permitted to walk on campus and in our “home area”, but are required to be in small groups.

Transportation

• It is a short walk to all classrooms, athletic facilities, and the surrounding University City area.
• For large group excursions chartered buses with professional drivers are used. The University of Pennsylvania shuttle bus to Center City, and the SEPTA trolley and train system are also used. Summer Discovery maintains a medical transport van.
• Summer Discovery is pleased to offer assistance in facilitating transportation via car, bus, train, or plane. Summer Discovery provides escorted transfers to/from Philadelphia International Airport and Amtrak 30th Street Station for $40 each way. Staff meet incoming flights in baggage claim (or outside of customs for international flights) and assist with departures. All plane arrangements are made through Musiker Travel, our own travel agency, at the lowest available fares. If you are being driven to Penn, detailed driving directions are sent approximately one month prior to the program.