Penn Community Collaboratory for Co-Creation (Penn4C), an initiative led jointly by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Penn Nursing) and the School of Engineering and Applied Science (Penn Engineering), recently hosted its Annual Awardee Celebration, highlighting innovative projects addressing health care needs and social justice for marginalized and low-resource communities. The event recognized the achievements of researchers, faculty, students, and community advocates committed to co-creating technological solutions that challenge structural inequalities.
Celebrating Collaboration and Innovation: Penn4C’s 2nd Annual Grantee Celebration
On November 19, 2024, the Penn Community Collaboratory for Co-Creation (Penn4C) hosted its second awardee celebration. The event recognized the collaborative achievements of Penn Nursing and Penn Engineering faculty alongside their exceptional community partners, celebrating the power of co-creation to tackle pressing societal challenges.
The evening showcased the accomplishments of pilot grantees and introduced the three newly funded 2024 projects. These initiatives highlighted impactful work, including addressing loneliness among homebound adults, exploring digital determinants of health, and enhancing exercise accessibility for older adults with disabilities. The selection of these projects underscores Penn4C’s dedication to fostering innovative, community-centered solutions that create meaningful change.
Key themes of the event included combating health disparities, promoting social justice, and advancing technology co-designed with marginalized communities. Through lively discussions and networking opportunities, attendees deepened their commitment to equitable partnerships and learned from each other’s experiences.
With active participation from faculty, students, and local organizations, the celebration exemplified Penn4C’s mission to drive innovation and equity. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the event inspired participants to envision transformative and lasting change across the lifespan.
Testing a novel, community-driven response to heat islands in Philadelphia
Researchers from three University of Pennsylvania schools collaborated with a Hunting Park nonprofit to design, build, and test a prototype of a cooling shelter to place at a bus stop.
July marked the 14th month in a row of record high global temperatures, and as the month ended, the National Weather Service said Philadelphia was on track for its third warmest summer since 1874. While 94° days are hardly pleasant for suburbanites, heat can be worse for residents in pockets of Center City, South Philadelphia, and North Philadelphia.
Penn4C Hosts Inaugural Awardee Celebration at Houston Hall
On Monday, February 26, 2024, the Community Collaboratory for Co-Creation (Penn4C) held a vibrant kickoff event at the historic Houston Hall, University of Pennsylvania. The event recognized the remarkable community partners who have collaborated with Penn Nursing and Penn Engineering faculty to co-create innovative solutions for community challenges and provided an opportunity for project teams to share details of their research.
The inaugural celebration provided a valuable networking opportunity, uniting community organizations and faculty researchers from both schools. Attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and beverages while mingling and exchanging ideas.
Organizers emphasized Penn4C’s commitment to the role of community organizations, highlighting the goal of maintaining and deepening relationships and expanding outreach efforts while initiating another round of funding.
Penn4C expressed sincere gratitude to all attendees, noting that their active participation enriched the experience. The event not only recognized the awardees but also set the stage for future collaborations and knowledge sharing. Penn4C looks forward to exploring more potential partnership opportunities in the coming year.
Community members with ideas or challenges that require innovative solutions are encouraged to visit the Penn4C website at www.penn4c.org and submit their proposals via the “Submit an Idea” page.
The kickoff celebration marked an exciting beginning for Penn4C’s ongoing efforts to foster co-creation and collaboration within the community.
Penn4C Announces Awardees for Community-led Partnership Grants
Penn Community Collaboratory for Co-Creation (Penn4C), an initiative led jointly by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Penn Nursing) and the School of Engineering and Applied Science (Penn Engineering), has awarded funding to five new research projects that address social justice through designing and implementing solutions to improve health, well-being, and safety.
Putting community first, in a new social justice initiative
About a year ago, George Demiris and Mark Yim began a conversation that included many of their colleagues from Penn’s School of Nursing and School of Engineering and Applied Science.