Information and Application
Please note that applicants must be in good academic standing, and preference will be given to first- and second-years.
Course Description
This 0.5-credit course is tailored to students interested in exploring AI investment and deployment as generative AI (genAI) becomes more prevalent. We will examine the competitive landscape firms face when creating, deploying, and using AI models and applications. Leveraging New York City’s dynamic tech ecosystem, students will visit companies to observe how new business technologies are implemented and assessed.
Students will gain firsthand insights into how businesses address the commercial, technical, social, and regulatory challenges related to AI. Topics will include understanding the AI stack in genAI and navigating its challenges and constraints. This immersive experience will enable participants to critically analyze the tradeoffs involved in the business use of AI and information technology.
Professor Lynn Wu will serve as the faculty member for this course and will be in residence with the students throughout the program.
Course Requirements
Participants will be required to attend two pre-travel classes in the fall 2024 semester, which will provide an introduction to the tech sector in New York. Students will conduct research and prepare case studies. Attendance and participation in these classes are part of the grade for the course. Required readings will also be assigned.
While on the travel portion of the course, students must attend all scheduled lectures, business-site visits, and networking events and will be subject to Penn’s disciplinary guidelines.
A paper will be due approximately one month after travel is completed.
Please make sure that you have enough CUs for the spring 2025 semester, so that we can register you for the 0.5 CU course if admitted.
The course must be taken for a grade.
Program Deadlines, Fees, and Logistics
Program Dates and Deadlines
| Completed Application Due | October 3 |
| Notification of Students | October 10 |
| Payment Due | Spring 2025 bursar bill |
| Pre-Trip Class 1 | November 15, 3:00 – 6:00pm |
| Pre-Trip Class 2 | November 22, 9:00am – 12:00pm |
| Travel Dates | January 6-10, 2025 |
Fee Information and Payment Schedule
The program fee for the course is $1,414. This fee covers course supplies, most meals, lodging for the duration of the program, ground transportation, business-site visits, cultural excursions, and fees for services. The fee does not include:
- Travel to/from NYC
- Some meals
- Incidental expenses such as snacks, laundry, outside entertainment, etc.
Payment will be included on the spring bursar bill.
Financial Assistance
Students receiving financial aid from Penn may be eligible for financial assistance for WIEP. Please note that financial assistance for WIEP is coordinated by the Wharton Undergraduate Division and not Student Financial Services. Any financial assistance for WIEP will be noted in students’ acceptance letters. Students will receive their financial aid awards after successful completion of the course.
If you are requesting assistance, please check the box on the WIEP application. We will notify you about your financial assistance package upon admittance to the program.
Travel Logistics
Travel: You are responsible for booking and paying for your travel to/from NYC. You must arrive at the hotel in NYC by 1pm on January 6. The program will conclude at/around 1pm on January 10.
Accommodations: Living arrangements in NYC will be made for all participants. Rooms will be double occupancy.
Insurance: All participants must show proof of current health insurance coverage before departing on the program.
Ground transportation: Participants will travel by private coach or metro to all business and cultural sites.
Cancellation Policy
The Wharton School reserves the right to cancel the course for any reason before the departure date. Participants will be notified as soon as possible in the case of trip cancellation.
If the Wharton School cancels the program for any reason before the date of departure, all payments received will be refunded. Bus or train expenses will not be refunded should the program be canceled.
Please note: If a participant cancels prior to December 1, 2024, 50 percent of the payment will be refunded. If a participant cancels on or after December 1, 2024, the entire payment is non-refundable.
Program Contact Information
Ariel Robbins, Director
Wharton Undergraduate Division
Email: aarobbin@wharton.upenn.edu