Many students like the idea of living in a community that concentrates on a culture, lifestyle, or interest that they and their neighbors share.  At Penn, we create these opportunities in our Program Communities. Most Program Communities are made up of a smaller group of people who live in the same part of a House, whether that is a single floor, a set of floors, or another section of the House; they often share common amenities like a shared program lounge or a space applicable to their interest, and they create and engage in activities specifically targeted at the interest that all the residents share. 

Most Program Communities are grouped under the categories of World Cultures and Languages, Arts and Letters, Identity and Self, Leadership Development, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).  We also have several Course Communities, which operate in the same way but also convey course credit for participation.  

Students apply for most communities when completing their housing application, and most require essays at the time of application. You can find the lists and descriptions of these communities in the menu at the left, along with information about applying to Program Communities as an incoming first-year student.

For example:

SNF Paideia "Common Ground": Expression in Practice

Discover the power of open dialogue and the richness of multiple perspectives in this exciting Program Community. The community will be located in KCECH College House and will partner with the SNF Paideia Program at Penn. It is focused on creating a small community of first-year students to explore all types of discourse and dialoguing across difference. It also leverages Penn’s rich variety of experiences in gathering a set of enthusiastic students, each bringing unique ideas and experiences. Come learn, grow, and shape the future of discourse together with us!