Penn in Latin America & the Caribbean (PLAC)

Penn’s relationship with the countries of Latin America & the Caribbean stretches back nearly two centuries. Today, Penn students have a wealth of opportunities to engage with Latin America & the Caribbean both in the region and on campus, and faculty from across multiple disciplines are collaborating to produce innovative research on this vitally important part of the world. Learn more about Penn’s engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Penn in Latin America and the Caribbean:

Partnerships across the Americas

Penn’s efforts in the region are bolstered by a cross-campus, interdisciplinary group, made up of faculty and administrators, the Penn in Latin America and Caribbean (PLAC) Steering Committee. Together, members of this diverse group seek to foster and highlight engagement in the region by organizing annual symposia and workshops, supporting student opportunities like the Pulitzer International Reporting Student Fellowship, and facilitating networking opportunities among colleagues whose work focuses on Latin America and the Caribbean.

In the Spring of 2024, faculty, students, and postdocs from across Penn will share short presentations on their research, work, and partnerships in Latin America and the Caribbean. Presentations will be followed by moderated roundtable discussions and Q&A. Hosted by Penn Global and Penn in Latin America and the Caribbean (PLAC) Committee, the symposium will highlight Penn’s commitment to supporting equitable partnerships and projects in Latin America and the Caribbean toward addressing multilateral issues and challenges.

Who We Are

Since 2015 we have collaborated across campus to organize a number of events, including conferences, symposia, and information sessions for student opportunities.  PLAC is led by a Steering Committee with diverse membership.  If you are interested in helping to guide our efforts, please contact plac@upenn.edu.

MEET THE STEERING COMMITTEE

What We Do

The PLAC Steering Committee seeks to deepen engagement in the region by organizing an annual convening for the Penn community to share their work and connect with colleagues, and by partnering with the Pulitzer Center and Penn Global to offer opportunities for students to become Pulitzer International Reporting Student Fellows.

Penn in Latin America & the Caribbean (PLAC) Symposium

Each year, the PLAC Steering Committee partners with schools, centers, and departments across campus to bring together the Penn community to highlight Penn work in Latin America and the Caribbean, and to promote interaction and collaboration among all who attend. The interdiscipinary symposium often features research presentations, keynote conversations, and panel discussions focusing on a broad issue impacting the region.

7th Annual PLAC Conference


The theme of this year’s PLAC Conference is Public and Community Engaged Scholarship in Latin America, the Caribbean, and its Diaspora. The conference explores how engaged scholarship is understood and practiced in these regions, emphasizing the co-production of knowledge and equitable collaboration with communities. It aims to examine the ethical and political dimensions of academic work across diverse contexts, creating space for interdisciplinary reflection and dialogue.

Pulitzer International Reporting Student Fellowship

Made possible by a partnership between Penn and the Pulitzer Center, the Pulitzer International Reporting Student Fellowship in Latin America and the Caribbean offers a special opportunity for Penn students to raise awareness of underreported issues in the region through direct support for quality journalism across all media platforms and a unique program of education and public outreach..

How to Connect

There are a number of ways to connect with us and our efforts, whether you are interested in joining the PLAC Steering Committee or engaging with our campus partners who help guide our efforts to bolster engagement in the region.

Connect with plac