CASE's College Awareness Month campaign aims to encourage more

Philly high school seniors to submit at least 1 great-fit college application.

To achieve this aim, ecosystem members and supporters have coordinated and assembled a robust calendar of events, giving Philly students many opportunities to access college-fit workshops, citywide college fairs, application and FAFSA support, college application fee waivers, career exploration events, and more, all designed to help students explore options and take action toward their futures!

Arcadia University

Bryn Mawr College

Chestnut Hill College

Cheyney University

College Together

Commonwealth University: Bloomsburg, Lock Haven & Mansfield

Community College of Philadelphia

CCP Catto Scholars

Drexel University

Haverford College

Holy Family University

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Jefferson University

Kutztown University

LaSalle University

Lincoln University

Manor College

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Penn State University

PennWest University

Rowan University

Saint Joseph's University

Shippensburg University

Swarthmore College

Temple University

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pittsburgh (use code PANTH3R)

Ursinus College

Villanova University

Widener University

Application Fees💸

WAIVED ALL MONTH >>

12 Plus

American Paradigm Schools

Campus Philly

Families Forward Philadelphia

Graduate Philadelphia!

Harlem Lacrosse

Heights

PASSHE

PA Department of Education

PHEAA

PHENND

Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable

Philadelphia Education Fund

Philadelphia Youth Network

PhillyGoes2College

School District of Philadelphia

SDP Parent & Family University

The Common App

Youth Employment Project

For Info on How to Get and Use

College Application Fee Waivers:

🔔 UPCOMING WEEK OF EVENTS 🔔

Dual Enrollment Workshop

MONDAY, OCT. 19, 11:00AM - 12:00PM

via Zoom with the School District

Students and families can learn how dual enrollment allows students to earn college credits while still in high school. Led by the School District of Philadelphia, this workshop will explain how dual enrollment can support preparation for higher education and help students build experience with college-level coursework. Participants can learn more about how dual enrollment works, explore potential time and cost savings toward a college degree, and understand how taking college courses during high school can set students up for success.

Crafting Your College Essay

TUESDAY, OCT. 20, 4:00 - 5:00PM

via Zoom with La Salle University

High school students can get help preparing one of the most important parts of their college application. This workshop will help students better understand how to approach the college essay and what admissions offices look for when reviewing personal statements. Students can receive practical tips and strategies for developing an essay that shares their experiences, interests, and story with colleges, and build confidence before writing or revising their essay.

Exploring Postsecondary Options: Guiding Your Student to A Happy Match

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 5:00 - 6:00PM

with SDP's Parent & Family University

Parents and families can join Philadelphia Education Fund experts to learn how to help students explore their postsecondary options and find a path that fits their goals. Presented by the School District of Philadelphia's Parent & Family University, this virtual session will focus on how families can support students as they consider college and other opportunities after high school. Participants can learn ways to support students during the decision-making process, consider the factors that can lead to a strong postsecondary match, and get guidance for conversations about life after high school.

2 + 2 Pathways Workshop

THURSDAY, OCT. 22, 5:00 - 6:30PM

CCP's Klein Cube at 1700 Spring Garden

Students and families can learn how a "2 + 2" college pathway can help students begin their education at Community College of Philadelphia and continue toward a bachelor’s degree at Temple University. This workshop will introduce participants to the partnership between Temple University and Community College of Philadelphia and explain how students can plan for a smooth transition between the two institutions.

Participants can learn more about dual admissions eligibility, transfer opportunities, scholarships and financial aid, and academic programs connected to the pathway. Counselors are also welcome to attend and learn more about this college option for the students they support.

Understanding College Athletics

THURSDAY, OCT. 22, 6:30 - 7:30PM

via Zoom with Widener University

Students and families can learn more about college athletics and information that can help students navigate the process. This workshop is a useful opportunity for students interested in competing during college and for families who want to understand how athletics can fit into the college journey. Participants can learn more about the steps students should take if they want to compete in college and get information to help students and families prepare for the college athletics process.

PG2C Curated College Scholarships

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23

Check out the next PhillyGoes2College.org (PG2C) Scholarship Drop on Instagram! PG2C regularly curates and verifies both local and national scholarships, to ensure that all opportunities posted are active and legitimate.

PRO TIP: Looking for a strong strategy for making your scholarship list? Create your list with a balance of selectivity - strive for a balance of national, regional, and local scholarship apps to increase your chances of being awarded!

College Awareness Month Calendar 🗓️

All of the College Awareness Month campaign events and activities are live on the PG2C Calendar (click on the image to the right to visit this calendar page). Be sure to bookmark this page so you can revisit throughout the month!

"What's Your Plan?" Has A New Home!

"What's Your Plan?" kicks off during College Awareness Month! WYP 2.0 has expanded into a robust online resource for Philadelphia students and families. Designed to help young people explore life after high school without pressure or a one-size-fits-all mindset, WYP offers curated information, video interviews, and expert advice on college, trades, military, employment, entrepreneurship, and more.

Now, WYP lives on PhillyGoes2College.org, so whether students have a plan or are still figuring it out, they can easily find a path that feels right for them.

🔔REMAINING IN-PERSON EVENTS🔔

Campus Philly's Fall Career Event

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 28, 5:30PM

at The Franklin Institute

Connect in-person with companies, graduate programs, and non-profit & government organizations across the Greater Philadelphia area, gain insights into different industries, and strengthen your skills for the future.

All attendees can explore Franklin Hall, Body Odyssey, and Wondrous Space during the event, FREE OF CHARGE!

"I Clicked Submit... Now What?"

Next Steps for Your CCP Application

FRIDAY, OCT. 30, 3:30 - 4:30PM

CCP's Klein Cube at 1700 Spring Garden

This workshop will give you what you need to know once you submit your CCP application in order to successfully enroll! Join us for this interactive session at CCP, where we will outline the steps to matriculation, including the placement test, academic advising, class and major selection, financial aid and billing, scholarship opportunities, engaging with clubs and cohort-based supports, and more. If you are interested in taking semester-long, summer, or dual enrollment classes, at CCP, check out this workshop.

HBCU College Fair

FRIDAY, OCT. 30, 2:00 - 6:00PM

at Lincoln Financial Field

During the HBCU One Philly Week, presented by Mayor Cherelle Parker, students and encouraged to attend a College Fair at Lincoln Financial Field to speak with representatives from many colleges and to enjoy a weekend of football games between Lincoln University, Virginia Union University, Delaware State University, and Norfolk State University.

These individuals and the organizations or institutions they represent are critical to the stewardship of the ecosystem’s common agenda to improve graduation outcomes for all Philadelphia students.

The Philadelphia Education Fund serves as the backbone organization for CASE, convening partners to advance a shared vision for college access and success across Philadelphia. CASE was launched through founding investments from the William Penn Foundation and the City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce and continues to be strengthened through strategic partnerships, including with the Everyone Graduates Center.

The Philadelphia Education Fund convenes, coordinates, and advances CASE on behalf of Philadelphia's college access and success community. To learn more about CASE or become involved, contact Ellen Ridyard at eridyard@philaedfund.org