Philadelphia launches the Financing College Campaign with, of all things, giving away lollipops. About 20,000 of the sweets will be distributed citywide to promote higher education.
“Education is the key to everything we want to achieve in Philadelphia, from crime reduction to economic development,” declared Mayor Michael Nutter. “The Financing College Campaign connects Philadelphians with valuable information to help pursue higher education. By offering assistance in college enrollment and the financial aid process, we are positioning Philadelphians for better careers and brighter futures.”
Over the last 4 years, the Financing College Campaign improved FAFSA completion in the city by 10%. There are 3 free phases to the campaign:
- Professional development workshop series help high school counselors, college access professionals, and financial aid administrators advise families and students as they navigate the financial aid process.
- FAFSA and scholarship application workshops and events assist prospective students in completing FAFSA and other benefit forms, and include scholarship essay writing clinics.
- Higher education support sessions help participants complete and ensure a full understanding of financial aid packages.
The additional opening of the Countdown to College Center in the Parent’s Resource Center at 440 No. Broad Street further augments campaign services to families and students. Resources provided include not only financial aid guidance but financial planning and income tax assistance.
Special College Goal Saturday events also put college-bound residents in direct contact with financial aid professionals and coaching on the financial aid process. The next event takes place Feb. 23 at the Community College of Philadelphia located on 17th Street between Spring Garden and Callowhill Streets in Center City Philadelphia. It is co-hosted by CCCP and Penn State University. Students and parents are encouraged to attend.
“Tomorrow’s economy will depend on students who,” explained Chief Education Officer Lori Shorr, “have at least some college education, and making sure you can finance college is very important. I am pleased that we have been able to increase Philadelphians’ access to federal money, but we can still do better. I urge people to take advantage of these resources.”
For a fuller view of available resources and other college-related information, visit www.phillygoes2college.com or call 215.686.0315. Further sources for financial aid workshops are the Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable at www.phillycollegepreproundtable.weebly.com and the School District of Philadelphia at www.phila.k12.pa.us.
All rights to this article are reserved by Gloria Blakely. Copyright 2013.
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