SNF Paideia Program

“Growing up, I was always asked if I was Spanish. But I knew my Honduran identity was distinct from that of Spaniards.”

For recent graduate Ashley Acosta (C'26), that question sparked a deeper exploration of identity, belonging, and the experiences of Latin Americans in Spain.

A recipient of a Paideia Course Extension Grant this year, Ashley's interest in the Latin American diaspora grew over time through her enrollment in three SNF Paideia designated courses: American Race: A Philadelphia Story, Religious Diversity and Democracy in Europe, and Listening in Troubled Times.

“Coming to Penn transformed my understanding of Latinidad,” Ashley says. “Learning alongside students from diverse Latino backgrounds and listening to others' stories inspired me to explore how Latino individuals integrate into Spanish society.”

Read the full entry at the link in our bio.

Photos courtesy of Ashley Acosta.

"You take where it is you come from, and then you take what you're learning, and you pull it together." 🌿

The latest episode of features our very own Dr. Lia Howard, SNF Paideia Fellows Director and Director of the Political Empathy Lab.

In this episode, students and educators explore how curiosity, empathy, and courageous listening can help bridge differences and create meaningful human connection.

Want to try this practice yourself. Start with these 6 steps:

🌱Observe before you interpret.
🌱Approach with curiosity.
🌱Listen to understand, not persuade.
🌱Practice democratic listening.
🌱Stay open through discomfort.
🌱Reflect and learn.

Small moments of connection can open unexpected pathways to understanding.

Listen to the full episode “Finding Common Ground in Uncomfortable Times” wherever you get your podcasts or here: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/item/finding_common_ground_in_uncomfortable_times. (23:43 min.)

Throughout the year, the SNF Paideia Program continued to focus on creating inclusive spaces where students can learn about their society and global issues in an environment that cultivates humility, curiosity, and intentionality. As we continue to look back on this past year, we pause with deep gratitude to celebrate the accomplishments of the SNF Paideia community.

As Penn President J. Larry Jameson said about the Program:

“The SNF Paideia Program exemplifies the values of open-mindedness and empathy that define Penn and inform our vision for a more just and understanding society. As our students engage in productive dialogue and overcome division, they develop the skills of thoughtful leadership that are vital to the future of our democracy. SNF Paideia has become a central part of the Penn experience, sharpening our focus on enhancing social good and bolstering our commitment to freedom of inquiry, open expression, and respect.”

By the numbers, 2025-2026 was a milestone year:

🎓 22 SNF Paideia Fellows graduated in May
✨12 new Ambassadors joined the program representing 12 Penn centers
📘 19 new SNF Paideia designated courses launched
🎓 1,000+ students enrolled in those courses
📅 150 sponsored/co-sponsored events
💬 40 faculty, staff, and students trained in dialogue planning + facilitation as part of the Dialogue Leadership Training

Thank you for your partnership and support!

Road trips. Long flights. Summer playlists.
What’s on your summer listening list?

In the spirit of America 250, here are a few thoughtful additions for your summer queue:

Sleeping with the US Constitution—
44 celebrity voices read the entire US Constitution! A thoughtful, surprising, and strangely soothing reflection on the document that shapes American life. Produced by .
https://maximumfun.org/episodes/sleeping-with-celebrities/sleeping-with-the-u-s-constitution-featuring-so-many-stars/

Political Empathy Lab (PEL) Season 2—
What happens when Penn students spend a week traveling across Pennsylvania to really listen to people? Host Noah Kocher talks with participants about empathy, conversation, and what they learned from Pennsylvanians across the state.
https://apple.co/4u2rkyC

Not Political People—
Why are so many young Americans checking out of politics? Host Glynn Boltman speaks with 65 young people across swing states about distrust, identity, media fatigue, voting, and what happens when people finally feel heard.
https://bit.ly/4dzjQ1f

And with the midterms on the horizon, stay tuned for election-related fall programming and more events from the SNF Paideia Program.

Happy summer!

Political Empathy Lab and Not Political People podcasts are supported by the SNF Paideia Program.

Today’s the day! Congratulations to the Class of 2026 SNF Paideia Fellows!

To our seniors, and to all of the graduates and their families, congratulations on this incredible milestone. Cherish the memories, celebrate this moment, and enjoy every second of Commencement Day. We can’t wait to see what’s ahead for you all!

Thank you to our SNF Paideia Ambassadors!✨

This year, we launched the inaugural SNF Paideia Ambassador Program and we could not be more grateful to the incredible students who helped bring this vision to life.

As the first cohort of Ambassadors representing 12 centers across campus, they helped foster dialogue, strengthen cross-campus collaboration, and build a more connected and civically engaged Penn community.

Throughout the program, Ambassadors also gained meaningful inclusive leadership development experiences and training in dialogue facilitation that will continue to shape their work on campus and beyond.

Thank you for your dedication and leadership throughout this first year. We are excited to see how the program, and all of you, continue to grow.

#2026 # collaboration ✨

SNF Paideia Alumni!

Thank you to everyone who has participated in the SNF Paideia community this year—whether by attending the Fellows Dinner or Homecoming Luncheon, visiting a Pro Seminar course, or serving as a mentor in a Lin Group. We truly appreciate your continued involvement and support!

To celebrate the close of the academic year, we’re excited to invite you to a special Alumni Weekend Happy Hour in collaboration with Penn Spectrum. Please remember to register for Penn Alumni Weekend before attending! You can pre-pay for Alumni weekend online here: https://bit.ly/360RFny or register at an alumni table on campus.

Be sure to stop by the SNF Paideia table, and pick up a gift while supplies last (picnic blankets and ceramic mugs!). We hope to see you there!

#2026

Huge thanks and congratulations go out to our incredible student workers, Ineiry Pena (C’26) and Raphael Kalatzis (SEAS’26)!🎓

Having been part of the SNF Paideia Program throughout all four years of their Penn journey, Ineiry and Raphael have supported us in countless ways. Through periods of growth, change, and many projects + events, they’ve been a constant, bringing reliability and a steady presence to everything they do. When something felt impossible to accomplish in time, they stepped in and made it happen.

They're both creative, intelligent, and kind people, and their new workplaces will be so lucky to have them. We will miss you!

Ineiry is graduating from the College of Arts & Sciences with degrees in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and Latin American and Latinx Studies. She will be returning home to New York to begin her career as a Talent Acquisition Analyst.

Raphael is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering as part of the accelerated master’s degree program.

Congratulations to you both on your graduation and all that you’ve achieved. Thank you for everything!💙

SNF Paideia Fellows spent this semester creating spaces for dialogue across campus through their “Making Dialogue Happen” projects in the Proseminar I course with Professor Sarah Ropp.

Today’s featured project is by Vicky Wang (N’28), who gathered with fellows Owen Phillips (C’28) and Erina Chowdhury (C’28) for a meet-up at White Dog Cafe.

What started as a casual brunch turned into an open, free-flowing exchange, gradually deepening into more personal and honest reflection. As they shared their experiences at Penn, they began to find connection and a sense of being truly seen. What stood out most was how quickly classmates became something closer to community.

More projects to come.

Introducing the 2029 SNF Paideia Fellows!

We’re thrilled to welcome 25 new fellows representing all four undergraduate schools and a wide range of disciplines. Get to know them on our website and here on social soon!

The SNF Paideia Fellows program brings together undergraduate students committed to dialogue across difference. Through this work, fellows cultivate the skills and relationships essential to holistic education, engaged citizenship, meaningful professional paths, and personal and community well-being.