This fall, Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) launched a new pilot program with three college access organizations—including Philadelphia Education Fund’s (PEF’s) College Access Program (CAP)—to ensure more Philadelphia students can visit and experience the state’s public universities.
Designed to remove transportation and distance barriers, this initiative opens the door for our students to explore PASSHE campuses located within a three-hour radius of the city.
Facilitated by the PASSHE Foundation and funded by Philadelphia-area grantmakers, the program provides one-day campus visits complete with tours, lunch, and transportation at no cost to students. College trips play a vital role in helping students discover the right academic and social fit, making this an important opportunity for our juniors and seniors.
Over the past six weeks, nearly 300 students in 11th and 12th grades across all six of PEF’s CAP schools took part in these visits. Students toured residence halls and dining facilities, participated in Q&A sessions with current PASSHE students from Philadelphia, and received advising support from our staff before and after their trips.
These experiences were also made possible through the generous support of State Senator Vincent Hughes and State Representative Jordan Harris, and through strong partnerships between PEF, Heights Philadelphia, and Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable.
We’re proud to help ensure that Philadelphia students can see themselves on campus—and take the next step toward postsecondary success!
