The University of Pennsylvania’s At-Risk Scholars Program provides central University support to Penn Schools, centers, and departments who wish to help at-risk scholars who add to the life of the University escape persecution and danger to themselves and their families through a period of residence at Penn.

Applications must be completed and submitted by a faculty or staff member of the sponsoring Penn School or organization. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

The At-Risk Scholars Program, administered by the Office of the Provost, is intended to simultaneously lend humanitarian aid and refuge to at-risk scholars and to enhance the University’s teaching, research, and service activities.

The program provides limited matching financial support of up to $30,000 per year for a maximum of two years to Penn Schools, centers, and departments wishing to host at-risk scholars, artists, writers, journalists, public intellectuals, and other individuals who help advance the University’s teaching, research, and service missions. In addition, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), a division of Penn Global, provides support for U.S. visa applications, entry into the United States, and compliance with U.S. immigration policies; as well as resources for integrating into life in the United States and at Penn.

Letters of support from Penn Schools, centers, and departments should emphasize the proposed At-Risk Scholar’s activities, responsibilities, and role at Penn, including contributions to research and teaching, and include a proposed start date.

Please contact the Penn Global team at global@upenn.edu if you have any questions related to the At-Risk Scholars Program.