2026 Grad January Newsletter (1)
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Announcement for the Month| Grants, Scholarships, & Fellowships |Events| Career & Networking| Previous Issue
Important Dates: 
| Date | Event |
| January 14th (Monday classes) | Spring term classes begin |
| January 19th | Martin Luther King Day (No Class) |
| January 27th | Course Selection Period Ends |
| February 23rd | Drop Period ends |
| March 7th- 15th | Spring Break (No Class) |
| March 16th | Classes resume |
Spring 2025 Semester Advising Hours
| Day of the week | Time | Location |
| Mondays | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (EST) | Virtual |
| Tuesdays | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (EST) | In-Person, Towne 107 |
| Wednesdays | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (EST) | In-Person, Towne 107 |
| Thursdays | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (EST) | Virtual |
| Fridays | No Advising |
* Information with Zoom links for virtual advising days (Monday/Thursday) is emailed to students throughout the semester. If you are unable to attend scheduled advising hours, additional times may be available by appointment only. Please email to request an appointment.
Announcements for the month
President’s Innovation Prize
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.
The competition is open to full-time undergraduates in good academic standing in the Engineering, Nursing, SAS (including LPS), or Wharton undergraduate divisions who have completed at least three-quarters of the credits needed for their baccalaureate degree and who are scheduled to graduate in December 2025, May 2026, or August 2026.
The President’s Innovation Prize is jointly administered by the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships and the Penn Center for Innovation. This year’s application deadline is January 21, 2026. A winner will be announced in April. Visit this website for more information
Grants, Scholarships & Fellowships
Provost’s Graduate Academic Engagement Fellowship at Netter Center
The Provost’s Graduate Academic Engagement Fellowship at the Netter Center for Community Partnerships (PGAEF@NC) is an opportunity for PhD students across all schools and fields at the University of Pennsylvania. Fellows are outstanding students who are involved in community-engaged scholarship and related activities, including Academically Based Community Service (ABCS), participatory action research, service-learning, and learning by teaching in public schools. Click here to learn more and apply. Application deadline: February 23rd, 2026
Events
Identity and Well-Being: Issues of Policy & Practice
How do race, gender, sexuality, and other aspects of identity influence well-being? This conversation centers on how identity-based disparities are embedded in social policy, housing, education, and healthcare systems. Our speakers will explore how intersectional approaches to well-being can illuminate paths toward greater justice and inclusion. With Amy Hillier & DeMarcus Jenkins. Moderated by Ayana Colvin.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Perelman Center for Political Science and Economics 250 | 133 S 36th Street
Click here to register
Strengthen Your Academic Writing
This workshop is designed for new Master’s students, international students, and former working professionals who are returning to school after some time away. Refresh your knowledge on the foundational best practices in academic writing and prepare yourself for high-quality graduate-level academic writing!
This event is part of the Strategies for Success in Graduate Studies series, cosponsored by the Weingarten Center and Graduate Student Center.
Wednesday, January 21st
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Graduate Student Center Room 304
Click here to register
Career & Networking
For International Students: Drop-in Resume Reviews with Career Services and Quick Questions with ISSS
If you are an international student attending a career fair, join us on Wednesday, January 21st, from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. to receive a resume review! ISSS advisors will also be present to consult with ISSS related questions.
Your resume must be in hard copy form in order to be reviewed. This session is designed to last 15 minutes maxium providing a general overview.
Wednesday, January 21st
3935 Walnut Street, 2nd floor
Click the QR code below to register
STEM & Sustainability Career Fair 2026
Participating organizations are seeking current undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and recent alumni for internships and full-time opportunities! The 2026 STEM & Sustainability Career Fair is open to all Penn students, alumni, and postdocs served by the Career Services office. Click here to see the eligibility requirements for our services.
The in-person STEM & Sustainability Career Fair is a great opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students (Master’s & PhD students), alumni, and postdocs to engage with employers, apply for positions, and make substantial progress in their internship and job search and career exploration. There are many benefits that students and postdocs at any stage of their academic program and research can gain from participating in this event. For those seeking internships and jobs, participating will have open opportunities that they are hoping to fill. This career fair also provides a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of careers, network with recruiters and Penn alumni in different career fields, learn about future opportunities, and begin the process of finding a career path that is the best match for your experience, skills, and interests.
Thursday, February 5th
Houston Hall | 3417 Spruce Street
Click here to register
