The Robert K. Johnson Foundation committed to contributing $8 million to the School of Arts and Sciences to name and endow the Robert K. Johnson Integrated Studies Program.
The Robert K. Johnson Integrated Studies Program is a first-year curriculum for undergraduate students who are Benjamin Franklin Scholars. BFS students are a select group of approximately 80 students drawn from all four undergraduate schools at Penn. Beyond their first year, BFS students remain part of a close-knit academic and social community, participating in interdisciplinary learning and special events throughout their four years at the university.
The Integrated Studies Program, originally launched in 2011, includes a residential program in Hill College House as well as two course units in each semester.
“If Bob Johnson were alive today, he would be the first in line to apply to the Integrated Studies Program at Penn,” 1985 College graduate Anthony Belinkoff and a member of the distribution committee of the Robert K. Johnson Foundation said. “Bob’s philosophy was to always broaden one’s mind and to take in the world around oneself.”
The program encourages students to engage critically with complex topics by drawing from multiple disciplines and exploring diverse perspectives.
“The Robert K. Johnson Foundation’s gift will strengthen and expand one of the College’s most innovative programs for interdisciplinary teaching and learning,” Penn President Larry Jameson said. “We are deeply grateful for their support.”
The new endowment will support the continued development of the program’s curriculum, provide additional educational resources, and expand co-curricular opportunities for students.
“This generous gift ensures that we will be able to continue fostering intellectual agility in these bright minds for years to come,” Peter Struck, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and founding director said.
For the 2025-26 school year, first-year Benjamin Franklin Scholars will enroll in courses called “Decisions and Learning” and “Cook, Eat, Think: The Biology and History of Food” under the Robert K. Johnson Integrated Studies Program.
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