futures features...the fair featured 25 tables and the opportunity to chat with ... brown university...
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DEAR FRIENDS, I am writing this letter from
my home, with my children coloring
beside me and my husband on his
laptop next to us. I have the privilege
of working from home during this
crisis, with the technology and
resources I need to be successful
and to provide for my family, and
the flexibility to adjust my schedule
where necessary to take care of my
young children.
This is not the case for our
students or their families right now.
Our students’ families were
among the first wave of employees
who were laid off when COVID-19
THE DIRECTOR
’S
CORN
ER
continued on page 8
in this i s sue College Acceptances, p. 2 Spotlight: Futures in Focus (Strategic Plan), p. 4-5 National Mentor Month, p. 7
Spring 2020FUTURESf e a t u r e s
Annual Conference Introduces
Futures FairMore than 500 guests attended Philadelphia Futures’ Annual
Conference on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Drexel University, including
high school students, collegians, parents, mentors, and supporters of
the Futures community.
This year’s Annual Conference introduced a new event agenda and
structure. To fully embrace this year’s theme of “2020: Futures in Focus,”Philadelphia Futures engaged attendees in a conversation about the
gender gap in higher education outcomes. Higher educational attainment
is linked to better economic stability, improved health outcomes,
and community wellness indicators. The conversation invited the
community to share their ideas on how to increase degree attainment
for young men, particularly for the students Philadelphia Futures
serves. Following this conversation, guests broke out into smaller
groups to brainstorm solutions with community facilitators.
Philadelphia Futures also offered the new “Futures Fair” at lunch
— an interactive, student-led exhibition of the many programs and
services that the organization
offers. The Fair featured 25 tables
and the opportunity to chat with
Philadelphia Futures students,
alumni, and staff representatives.
CELEBRATE OUR GRADUATING SCHOLARS
Virtual GraduationCeremony
Wednesday, June 3, 2020Details to follow
Please join us as we gather,
via technology, to celebrate
our scholars’ accomplishments.
We hope you will join us.
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NEW BOARD MEMBERS & NEW LEADERSHIP
Albright CollegeAmerican UniversityArcadia UniversityBarry UniversityBenedict CollegeBloomsburg UniversityBoston UniversityBrown UniversityBryn Mawr CollegeBucknell UniversityCabrini UniversityCarnegie Mellon UniversityCedar Crest CollegeChapman UniversityChestnut Hill CollegeCheyney UniversityClarion UniversityClark Atlanta UniversityColumbia UniversityCommunity College of Philadelphia
Cornell UniversityDelaware State UniversityDeSales UniversityDickinson CollegeDrexel UniversityDuke UniversityEast Stroudsburg UniversityElon UniversityEmerson CollegeFlorida Atlantic UniversityFlorida State UniversityFordham UniversityFranklin & Marshall CollegeGannon UniversityGeorge Washington UniversityGettysburg CollegeGuilford CollegeGwynedd-Mercy CollegeHamilton CollegeHampton UniversityHarvard UniversityHaverford CollegeHoward UniversityHult International Business School
Immaculata UniversityIndiana University ofPennsylvania
Jacksonville UniversityJefferson UniversityJohns Hopkins UniversityKenyon CollegeKutztown UniversityLaSalle UniversityLe Moyne College
Lafayette CollegeLehigh UniversityLincoln UniversityLycoming CollegeMansfield UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology
McDaniel CollegeMichigan State UniversityMillersville UniversityMoravian CollegeMorgan State UniversityMuhlenberg CollegeNeumann CollegeNeumann UniversityNew York Institute of Technology
New York UniversityNorfolk State UniversityNorth Carolina A&TNortheastern UniversityNova Southeastern UniversityOberlin CollegeOccidental CollegePenn College of TechnologyPenn State University –Brandywine
Penn State University –Abington Campus
Penn State University –University Park
Point Park UniversityPrinceton UniversityRice UniversityRider UniversityRobert Morris UniversityRochester Institute ofTechnology
Rosemont CollegeRowan UniversityRutgers UniversityRutgers University – CamdenSaint Joseph’s UniversitySeton Hill UniversityShippensburg UniversitySlippery Rock UniversitySpelman CollegeStanford UniversitySusquehanna UniversitySwarthmore CollegeTemple UniversityTufts UniversityUnion CollegeUniversity of ArizonaUniversity of California –Berkeley
University of California –Irvine
University of California –Los Angeles
University of California –San Diego
University of ChicagoUniversity of Colorado –Boulder
University of ConnecticutUniversity of DelawareUniversity of DenverUniversity of FloridaUniversity of HoustonUniversity of KansasUniversity of Maryland –College Park
University of Maryland –Baltimore Campus
University of MiamiUniversity of MichiganUniversity of New HavenUniversity of OregonUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of PittsburghUniversity of Pittsburgh –Bradford
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
University of Rhode IslandUniversity of San FranciscoUniversity of SouthernCalifornia
University of TampaUniversity of Texas ArlingtonUniversity of the SciencesUrsinus CollegeVassar CollegeVillanova UniversityVirginia CommonwealthUniversity
Virginia State UniversityWashington & JeffersonCollege
Washington CollegeWashington University in St. Louis
Wayne State UniversityWesleyan UniversityWest Chester UniversityWest Virginia UniversityWidener UniversityWofford CollegeXavier University of LouisianaYale University* Colleges listed in bold arePhiladelphia Futures Partner Schools
Philadelphia Futures announced the election
of four new members and new executive leadership
effective January 23, 2020.
The four new members are Olenga Anabui,Director at Penn Medicine, Darrien Davenport,Executive Director of Multicultural Engagement
and Assistant Vice President of College Life at
Gettysburg College, Melvin Pitts, Supervising
Senior Associate at Chubb, and Michelle Sipics,Technology R&D Senior Principal at Accenture.
The new officers are President Kevin R. Boyle,Financial Partner at Stradley Ronon Stevens &
Young, LLP; Vice President Raj Tewari, Chief
Operating Officer at Glenmede; Treasurer MargaretSherry Lurio, Partner at Lurio & Associates, P.C.;
Secretary Jennifer Daley, Vice President and
Assistant Treasurer at Comcast Corporation, and
President Emeritus Phil Weinberg, Executive Vice
President/General Counsel at Comcast Spectacor.
“I am very pleased to have these transformative
leaders join our board and look forward to their
contributions,” said Sara Woods, Executive
Director. “They bring a wealth of experience
to our organization and serve as models to our
scholars of the professionals we hope they will
become. I look forward to implementing our new
strategic plan and charting the future of Futures
alongside them.”
College Acceptances100% of the Class of 2020
admitted to college!The Class submitted a total of 637 college applications and are makingtheir decisions about their “right fit” now. Those colleges include:
Olenga AnabuiBoard Member
Darrien DavenportBoard Member
Melvin PittsBoard Member
Michelle SipicsBoard Member
Kevin R. BoylePresident
Raj TewariVice President
Margaret Sherry LurioTreasurer
Jennifer DaleySecretary
Phil WeinbergPresident Emeritus
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Futures News Feed
Philly Futures Month of ServiceFor the month of November, our high school scholars
participated in various community service projects. They volunteered at the Rocky Run, organized a donation
closet at Hall Mercer, cleaned up Cobbs Creek, and spent
time helping veterinarians and clients at Emancipet.
See all of the photos from the #PFMonthofService by
visiting our Facebook page.
Philadelphia Futures Receives $20,000from Eagles Social Justice Fund We were thrilled to announce that the Philadelphia Eaglesselected us as the recipient of a $20,000 renewal grant
from the Eagles Social Justice Fund. We are grateful to the Eagles community for their outstanding commitment
to reducing barriers to equal opportunity in education,
and we are using this investment to launch our new
Strategic Plan.
New Step Up to College VideosTo celebrate the 30th edition of the Step Up to College
Guide, we released a new video series. Each Step Up to
College video covers a key component of the Guide, from
understanding college admissions options to writing
college essays; from conquering the FAFSA to making
the right college “fit” decision. You can watch all eight StepUp to College videos by visiting the Step Up to College
YouTube page.
Dream Team Volunteer Day at MANNA Our local Philadelphia Futures collegians, the “DreamTeam,” volunteered at MANNA for the third year in a row.
Students ranged from the Classes of 2015-2019 and
represented Temple University, Arcadia University,
Bryn Mawr College, Penn State, La Salle University,
and the Community College of Philadelphia.
Health Design Thinking Club The Philadelphia Futures Health Design Thinking Club, a collaboration with JeffersonUniversity, helped students explore the design thinking process, emphasizing user experience
in health care. Throughout the course, students heard from many experts at Jefferson
Hospital as they shared career advice and highlighted design breakthroughs that created
significant improvements in the health industry. Many thanks to Philadelphia Futures
mentor Dr. Geoff Hayden and Jefferson for making this club possible for our students.
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PhiladElPhia CiTy OF FuTurES PhiladElPhia
High School Graduation Rate 100% 69%
College Matriculation Rate 98% 55%
College Graduation Rate* 70% 23%*Classes since 2012
Philadelphia Futures began the strategic planning
process in January 2019, following a successful leadership
transition and the achievement of the major milestone
of its previous strategic plan, including organizational
integration following a successful merger.
As the organization reflected on its history and
strengths, and engaged with different stakeholders
throughout the planning process, it became clear that
Futures was at an inflection point. The strength of the
organization lies in its comprehensive support for students
from grade 9 through college graduation, and the next
five years present an opportunity for Futures: to build on
the successes of the prior strategic plan, and leverage proven
organizational strengths to grow its impact in the region.
In Philadelphia, only 69% of students graduate high
school, only 55% go to college, and only 23% of those
who matriculate graduate college. In comparison, Futures’
results are a testimony to the power of our approach.
Philadelphia Futures’ vision for the future is a city
where every student has what they need to succeed in
college and to thrive in life. An updated mission reflects
this new vision: Philadelphia Futures supports low-income,
first-generation-to-college students with the tools,
resources, and opportunities necessary for admission
to and success in college.
Core Principles As Philadelphia Futures developed this plan, all
decisions were made with three core principles in mind:
1. Scholar First Orientation: Students feel heard,
supported, informed and empowered, and make decisions
about college access and success that are informed by
both Futures’ learnings and the students’ life experiences.
2. Partnership: Our work is best accomplished
in partnership. We consult and seek to partner with our
students, their families, the community, other college
access organizations, and higher education institutions
in our work.
3. Commitment to Excellence: We aim to serve
as a model of excellence in executing and delivering our
services, and in incorporating best practices, data, and
research into all programs.
Although a college degree is a gateway to financial
and personal success, higher education attainment rates
among low-income, first-generation-to-college students
are significantly lower than their peers. The gap has
persisted for decades. A student born into the top quartile
of family income is over seven times more likely to earn
a bachelor’s degree than a student born into the bottom
quartile of family income. The disparities for students
of color are even starker.
Yet, the reality is that a college degree dictates whether
Americans can make the climb up the economic ladder:
adult children from families in the bottom fifth of the
income distribution are at least four times more likely
to reach the top fifth if they earn a four-year degree.
For families of limited means, there is no clear path to
truly viable college preparation and strong college guidance.
Yet without that guidance, the likelihood of students
being admitted to their best fit college, and subsequently
completing a degree, is significantly diminished.
There is a need to do more.
Organizational Strengths Philadelphia Futures brings considerable strengths
to its work, and our research during this process confirmed
those strengths. Futures is known for depth and quality.
It is distinguished by its comprehensive program and
track record of success. Futures has developed a suite of
college guidance, admissions support, and retention services
specifically designed to address the many barriers faced
by low-income, first-generation-to-college students. The
organization’s understanding of admissions “fit” issues
for its students helps to support their enrollment in
schools that are best suited to support their academic,
social, and financial success.
Our College Success program is a nationally
recognized model of support and engagement during
college that helps students to navigate this new and often
challenging territory. The depth of expertise developed
over the years of work in college admissions and student
persistence places Philadelphia Futures in a unique and
well-equipped position to expand its reach and to serve
more of Philadelphia’s low-income, first-generation-to-
college students.
Philadelphia Futures’ staff members are known as
experts in the field of college access and success. They
bring a tenacity, commitment, and passion to our work
that is inspiring. It is a diverse and highly educated team
with deep and rich experience that works collaboratively
and effectively to achieve our mission.
FUTURESIN FOCUS
SPOT
LIGHT
4
PHILADELPHIA FUTURES’ STRATEGIC PLAN 2020–2025
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Strategic Priorities In order to support more students with greater impact
and to build a sustainable organization that can continue
this important work in the long-term, Philadelphia Futures
will focus on three strategic priorities for the next five years:
1. Expand: Ensuring more students have access to
proven strategies that support college access and success;
2. deepen: Enhancing our services to increase
the ability of our students to thrive;
3. Sustain: Investing in the human, financial, and
technological resources to achieve our mission and vision.
These strategic priorities will support Futures’ vision
to contribute to increasing the number of students in the
Philadelphia School District who enroll in and graduate
from college, and creating a city where every student has
what they need to succeed in college and to thrive in life.
Campus-Based Model One of the core components of the “expand”
priority includes implementing a campus-based model
to provide its direct services. Futures will begin to
provide direct services in both Center City Philadelphia
and neighborhood-based locations. These neighborhood
locations will be called “campuses” to reflect Futures’
emphasis on college access and success, and will be
located at schools or community-based organizations.
Students from various schools will be able to attend
these campuses.
This geographic shift will both deepen and expand
our services. It will make it easier for students to be
involved in other clubs and activities at their schools or
community-based organizations, giving them opportunities
to build more relationships with other students and
community members, and influence general attitudes
towards college attendance. Futures will focus on its
core strengths in college access guidance and leverage
the expertise of the community and community
organizations to provide other complementary services
and resources to students. This shift will also facilitate
greater opportunities to build and strengthen partnerships,
expand outreach efforts, and improve the use of technology
in service delivery.
Strategic Priority #3 Goals:SUSTAINInvest in the human, financial, and technological resources to achieve our mission and vision.
1. FinanCial:Secure and effectively steward financial resources for growth.
2. TalEnT:develop the appropriate board and staff leadership, skills, and structure.
3. TEChnOlOGy:implement technology systems to enhance student service and operations.
Strategic Priority #2 Goals:DEEPENEnhance our services to increase the success of our students.
1. increase the college graduation rate (6-year) to 80%, starting with the Class of 2020.
2. increase or maintain the percentage of students in each class graduating with manageable debt.
3. Build a diverse network of engaged volunteers to enhance student programs.
Strategic Priority #1 Goals:EXPANDEnsure more students have access to proven strategies that support college success.
1. 50% increase in students in direct service programs in five years.
2. Campus-model established and implemented, including strategic partnerships with other organizations.
3. 100% increase in the number of high school andcollege students served through Outreach Futures.
The next five years present an opportunity for Futures: to build on the successesof the prior strategic plan and leverage its proven organizational strengths togrow its impact in the region.
Join us as we work to achieve this vision.For more information about Philadelphia Futures and how to contribute to achieving this vision, please contact Sara Woods, Executive Director, at215-790-1666 or [email protected]. Thank you for yourcommitment to and investment in our scholars and their college dreams.
Access the digital version of the Strategic Plan by visiting www.philadelphiafutures.org/strategicplan.
Our Path Forward
EXPAND • DEEPEN • SUSTAIN
5
By 2025, Philadelphia Futures
will serve 50% more studentsin its direct service programs
through a campus-based service delivery model.
PHILADELPHIA
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SUPP
ORT
CORN
ER
Spring 2020HATS OFF TO OUR SUPPORTERSWe are very grateful to ourmany supporters for their generous gifts of time andresources. It is because of youthat our work is made possible.We extend our warmest thanks for the contributionsmade since the last issue of Futures Features.
FoundationsBarra Foundation
Beneficial Bank Foundation
Benevity Community
Impact Fund
1830 Family Foundation
Cameron Foundation
Caroline Alexander Buck
Foundation
Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation
Ertz Family Foundation
George W. Rentschler Foundation
Hoxie Harrison Smith
Foundation
Interact Theater
Leo Model Foundation
PACE
Pew Charitable Trusts
Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation
Rue Family Foundation
Thomas Skelton Harrison
Foundation
Townsend Foundation
Two or More Foundation
Walter Henry Freygang
Foundation
CorporationsBeneficial Bank Foundation
Bridgewater Associates, LP
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
Comcast
Comcast Spectacor Charities
Eagles Social Justice Fund
Fox & Roach Charities
Glenmede
JP Morgan
Lincoln Financial Foundation
PECO
PNC Bank, N.A.
Subaru of America Foundation
Vanguard
Other OrganizationsArcadia University
Bryn Mawr College.
Cabrini University
Dickinson College
Gettysburg College
Gwynned Mercy University
Holy Family University
Lafayette College
Lycoming College
Millersville University
Muhlenberg College
Penn State University
Ursinus College
In honor of “MentorMonth” in January, our Philadelphia Futuresscholars thanked their mentors for the majorimpact they made on theirlives. For our scholars whowere recently matched, they wrote notes of theirexcitement about what is to come!
Philadelphia Futures’ Board Member Leads New Alumni Challenge
The Philadelphia Futures AlumniChallenge, which launched on March 1, shifted its focus to meet the unexpectedfinancial and resource needs of our first-generation-to-college students, due to theCOVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
This is a very challenging time forPhiladelphia Futures’ students and their families. We are asking college alumni to choose one of the following pay-it-forwardopportunities to make a life-changing difference for a student today:
• Cover the emergency expensesthat students are facing right now.By donating to the Philadelphia FuturesOpportunity Fund, you are allowing the organization to help with emergency expenses for students that, if not addressed,will prevent them from achieving collegesuccess. Please note “Opportunity Fund”when making your contribution atbit.ly/PhillyFuturesDonate
• Close a financial gap for studentsas they head off to college this year.Our high school seniors are finalizing collegedecisions during a very uncertain time. Help them make their college dreams cometrue by providing scholarship money to adeserving student. Please note “Scholarship” in your comments when you contribute atbit.ly/PhillyFuturesDonate.
Thank you for partnering with us to turn first-generation-to-college students into college alumni. For more information,please contact Korinne Gerhart at 215-790-1666 ex. 439 [email protected].
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Individuals, FamilyFoundations and Donor-Advised Funds (Over $250)Anonymous (4)
Henry Adamczyk & Iris Melendez
Kathryn & John Adamiak
Tick Ahearn & Elly Truitt
Angelo & Lisa Annese
Theodore & Barbara Aronson
Cathy & Saul Behar
Mark Berger & Jane Eisner
Leslie Cheeseman & Albert Bixler
Jill & Sheldon Bonovitz
Boscia Family Foundation
Mrs. J. Mahlon Elia Buck &
Caroline Rogers
Frances & Kevin Boyle
Richard G. & Audrey A.
Brinkman Foundation
Carolyn & David Brodsky
Julian & Lois Brodsky
Bruce M. Brown
Dorothy & Lawrence Brown
Buck Family Fund
Rhonda & David Cohen
Michael Coleman
Comisky Family Foundation
Robert Courey & Thomas Keebler
Judith Dalton
Margaret W. Darby
Gregory Davis
James Holtzman Dochas Fund
Robert S. DuPlessis
Ertz Family Foundation
Joseph & Carolyn Evans
First United Methodist Church
of Germantown
Stephanie Flagg
Alan Gardner &
Katherine Connolly
Shannon & Stuart George
Margaret Havens
Jeremy Heymsfeld
Michel & Selina Hoessly
Howard & Mary Hurtig
Karl Janowitz
Allen & Nancy Jervey
Joshua & Christen Johnson
Patrick & Marcia Johnston
Ernest & Rae Scott Jones
Jeanne & Richard Kaskey
Donna Keegan
Donald & Vicki Kramer
Jeffrey Landsman
Ann & Wynn Lee
Judy Leone
Stephen & Julia Lis
Charity & Timothy Lisko
Mary & Andrew W. Maier
T. Michael & Barbara W. Mather
Matthews Stein Family Fund
Matthews Family Foundation
Lyn Montgomery
Kristen & David O’Connor
Kimberly & Tobey Oxholm
Edward Penberthy
Janet Perry & David Richman
Dr. & Mrs. Porter
Michele & Scott Porterfield
Jaya K. Rao
Michael & Yalta Reed
Jeffrey Winkler & Michele Reimer
Gresham & Pamela Riley
Andrew & Susan Roberts
Roseline Joseph
Richard Foltz & Frances Ryan
Richard Labowski &
Marilyn Sanborne
John & Sarah Schmader
Schoenbach-Tobey Foundation
Robert & Diana Scott
Frank & Kathleen Seidman
Elliot & Elinor Seif
Dr. Zachary Simpson &
Mrs. Starr Harris Simpson
Stanley R. Wolfe Foundation
Laura & Richard Steel
David Suisman
Cheryl Swinton
David V. N. Taylor Foundation
Tega Fund
Keith Telesca
Nicole Tell
Raj Tewari
TZEDEK Fund
John Urofsky
Ada & Frank Warner
Philip & Terry Weinberg
Warwick & Mollie Wheeler
Robert & Carol White
Janet & Alan Widra
Laura & Mitchell Wienick
Robert & Lynn Woods
Sara Woods & Will Enscore
Christopher Zafiriou
Philadelphia FuturesScholarshipsLaurie J. Keeler Award
Lisa Marie Thomas Memorial
Scholarship
Destined for Success Scholarship
Dr. Willie W. Echewa Scholarship
The James W. and Joan M.
Keebler Scholarship
Lincoln Financial Foundation
Scholarship
Kim Freitag Memorial
Scholarship for
Awesome Achievement
WELCOME TO NEW SPONSOR-A-SCHOLARSPONSORSDr. & Mrs. Howard &
Mary Hurtig*
Stephen & Julia Lis*
Janet & Alan Widra*
Laura & Mitch Wienick*
Thomas Keebler & Bob Courey
Charity & Tim Lisko
Bob & Carol White*
Elliot & Elinor Seif
Gregory Davis*
Dries & Kathryn Darius*
In Memory of
Marciene Mattleman
* Have previously sponsored
in the Program
WELCOME TO NEW SPONSOR-A-SCHOLARMENTORSClass of 2021Christopher McGuire
Rorujorona Ferrell
Brandon Neale
Ivy Gluck
Melanie Freely*
Jenine Maeyer
Kristy Shine
Billy Dunn
Drew Von Bargen
Class of 2022Lisa Tucker
Diem Bloom*
Kelsey Naughton
Kayla Claxton
Amira Leifer
RaSean Booker
Peter Hoffman
Olenga Anabui*
Tara Zaks
* Have previously mentored
in the Program
A SPECIAL THANK YOUWe extend our sincerest gratitude
to Glenmede for graciously
underwriting the Spring 2020
edition of Futures Features.
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230 S. Broad Street, 7th FloorPhiladelphia, PA 19102215-790-1666www.philadelphiafutures.org
www.facebook.com/philadelphiafutures@PhillyFutures@PhillyFutures/PhiladelphiaFutures
Board of Directors
Kevin R. Boyle, PresidentRaj Tewari, Vice PresidentMargaret Sherry Lurio, SecretaryJennifer Daley, TreasurerPhil Weinberg, President Emeritus
Pauline AbernathyOlenga AnabuiDarrien Davenport Randy FreitagStuart M. GeorgeOtis D. Hackney, IIIKatrina HighStephen C. LisMichael MenendezJeffrey W. OrlandoJanet G. PerryMelvin PittsMichele A. PorterfieldMichelle Sipics Richard L. Williams
Sara Woods, Executive Director
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restrictions went into place. Families without a safety net, without
access to childcare, without technology, without resources to make
sure their basic needs are met.
Our students are also struggling. All experienced the abrupt
shift to online learning, without the proper technology nor training
to ensure their success. Our collegians lost campus and community
jobs, places to live, and access to food.
The excellent Philadelphia Futures staff is working diligently
with our students to provide socio-emotional support, academic
and college guidance, and a guidepost to look to while navigating
this crisis.
The Philadelphia Futures community has answered our call
for help. Thanks to your generosity, we have purchased technology,
furniture, and gift cards for our students to help with their basic
needs. I am grateful, as are our students and their families.
But there is so much more we need to do.
Philadelphia Futures is a beacon of hope and stability for our
students when everything else feels like quicksand. We are committed
to remaining as such and many of you have asked what you can
do to help. Here a few concrete things you can do:
1. Make an unrestricted gift to Philadelphia Futures so
that we can deploy our resources as nimbly as possible:
bit.ly/PhillyFuturesDonate.2. Contribute to our Opportunity Fund, which provides
emergency resources to our students now and in the future, to
help them achieve their college dreams. Please note “Opportunity
Fund” when making your gift: bit.ly/PhillyFuturesDonate.
3. Sponsor a student: Students in our Sponsor-A-Scholar
program and our College Connection program receive stipends
during college to help with books, transportation, and other
needs. Recently, sponsorship funds have helped collegians return
home when their colleges abruptly closed. Learn more at
bit.ly/PFSponsorAStudent.4. Send a note or a video to our scholars, telling them how
much they matter and encouraging them to persevere in their
academic journey. If you are not connected to a particular
student at the moment, please send notes to my attention at
the Philadelphia Futures office and videos to my email address
([email protected]). Our team will make sure
they are delivered to our scholars.
5. Join us for our virtual graduation celebration on June 3,
where we will surround our students with joy as we recognize
their accomplishments in high school and in college.
During this time of crisis, I am inspired by our students,
our families, and our community. We will continue to provide our
students with the resources, tools, and opportunities to succeed in
college and in life, despite all that is changing around us. Thank
you for partnering with us.
Sincerely,
Sara Woods
Executive Director
You are receiving this newsletter by mail because we do not have your email address on file. Please fill out the following form so that you can continue to receive the newsletter and other publications: bit.ly/PFContactForm
continued from page 1THE DIRECTOR’S CORNER