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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Shaping the education discourse

We facilitate forums for discussion and debate on local, regional, and national education themes. Nearly 1,200 individuals and organizations engage in these forums every year and are moved to action.

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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 $500,000 in scholarships, a year.

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Join Our Team!

Are you an energetic and experienced fundraising professional looking to take on your next challenge and support Philadelphia students?

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News

We're Hiring!

By Emma Cohen WestbrookePosted: January 19, 2021

We’re excited to announce two new development positions: Are you an energetic and experienced fundraising professional looking to take on...

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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%.