Helping students realize their college potential

More than 90% of the students we serve will be the first in their families to go to college. We help them recognize that they can be the trailblazers…that they are college material.

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Supporting students in reaching their STEM career aspirations

PEF’s McKinney Center for STEM Education provides STEM resources to students, teachers, schools, families, and employers.

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Partnering with schools

Every student should have the opportunity to attend a college prep school. Meeting the challenge, our expert team consults with schools to build college-going cultures.

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Bringing students’ college ambitions within reach

A college education is a worthwhile investment. We help students place a downpayment on their future by awarding more than $600,000 in scholarships a year.

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Ed Compact Series

PEF convenes an education speaker series throughout the year to facilitate dialogue from our most intractable education challenges. Our team curates and produces sessions that attract the region’s most respected education leaders.

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Latest News

Education Conversations, General News

Federal Budget Cuts Threaten PEF’s Flagship College Access Program

Posted: July 18, 2025

The current administration is calling for the elimination for the Federal TRIO Programs, which directly impacts PEF, our staff, and...

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College & Careers, General News

Scholarship in Memory of Bartram Alum

Posted: June 17, 2025

Stephen J. Mapa, Sr., Bartram High School Class of 1952, put a high value on education in raising his son,...

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College & Careers, General News

FKD Junior Jumpstart Retreat at La Salle

Posted: June 10, 2025

PEF’s College Access Program (CAP) Coordinators at Frankford High School took a group to La Salle University on May 6...

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For Students

PEF exists to help students achieve college and career success.

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For Teachers

PEF helps teachers develop skills and strategies that drive student success.

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For Schools

PEF supports schools in creating college-going cultures.

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Did you know?

Philadelphia is the nation’s poorest big city and ranks 92nd out of 100 US cities in college attainment.

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College graduates are 3.5 times less likely to live in poverty than those without a college degree.

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Job growth in STEM careers outpaced non-STEM jobs by 300%.

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