Programs at Du Bois

Join us for bi-monthly themed study breaks offering snacks, support, and social time based on students’ academic and wellness needs. Take a breather, meet new friends, and refresh your focus—because rest and connection matter!

Founded in 1999 by a group of Penn students, Ase‘s mission is to create a community of young leaders committed to personal excellence, community development, and the successful completion of high school toward opportunities to continue their education. Ase connects these middle and high school students to Penn mentors, exposing them to campus during weekly seminars and activities. Du Bois College House houses many of these endeavors and Du Bois residents often serve as mentors to young West Philadelphia students. Penn's Black Cultural Center, Makuu, additionally works with Ase’s undergraduate leaders to provide academic, arts, cultural, and community engagement opportunities for Ase’s participants.

Saturdays at Du Bois you will hear music! West Philadelphia Strings is an initiative designed to introduce Black boys to violin, viola, cello, and bass—paired with mentorship and a structured rite of passage rooted in restorative practices and community healing. Through strings and guidance, we cultivate talent, build confidence, and create healing pathways from boyhood to empowered manhood.

An ongoing dialogue series that addresses historical harms and promotes healing through reflective conversation. Each semester, students engage with scholarly and community-centered content related to historical injustices and gather weekly to discuss, process, and grow together. The program fosters a safe space for intentional dialogue, understanding, and collective healing.

Du Bois continues supporting signature programs created by its Resident Advisors that have been passed down over the years, continuing to impact students today.  Rooted in tradition, these programs represent the heart of the House—connection, culture, and community.