Programs
College + Career Resources
For our young people, college is not just a way out, but a way up. Helping them recognize the limitless sky above them is the experienced team at PEF.
College Access Program
Our experienced counselors work full-time within 6 high schools to introduce students to the benefits of a college education and to support them in their college access journey.
Fostering College Readiness
Fostering College Readiness is a new, free program designed to support Philadelphia foster youth with the process of applying to, paying for, and succeeding in college.
PhillyGoes2College
Through this online platform, students lacking the necessary supports in their school or home can gain access to critical college advising and counseling resources.
Philadelphia Scholars
This program helps Philadelphia students, many of whom are first-generation college-goers, get to and through college. Scholars are awarded scholarships and are supported through our college persistence program.
Spark Philadelphia
Spark Philadelphia provides a career exposure and mentorship program for 7th grade students, in partnership with Philadelphia area companies, and high school transition programming for 8th graders.
STEM Education & Careers
PEF seeks to inspire students’ interest in STEM education by exposing them to the diverse and interesting world of STEM careers.
Consulting Services
Through its consulting services, PEF works with teachers, schools, and districts to help them succeed in designing and implementing strategies that maximize postsecondary opportunities for students.
College Culture
PEF’s Philadelphia Postsecondary Success Program (PPSP) consults with principals and school leaders on strategies designed to enhance the college-going culture in their schools.
STEM Professional Development
Our professional development workshops address a wide range of STEM topics for educators in Grades Pre-K to 12 as well as subjects for high school counselors.
STEM Curriculum
PEF’s McKinney Center consults with in-school and out-of-school programs to design STEM lesson plans, curricula, and academic coursework.
Education Conversations
As the leading convener of city-wide conversations on K-16 education, PEF curates forums at which those with diverse perspectives can come together to illuminate and educate one another.
College Access and Success Ecosystem
College Access and Success Ecosystem (CASE) is a data-driven, collective effort, with a goal of leveraging the talents of nonprofits, school leaders, government and industry to improve high school, college and postsecondary completion rates.
Education First Compact
PEF convenes a education speaker series throughout the year entitled Education First Compact. The Ed Compact team curates and produces sessions that attract the region’s most respected education leaders.
Educate Philly
Educate Philly: A Benefit Luncheon and Master Class is PEF’s signature annual fundraising event. This engaging event highlights the achievements of our students and features a moderated celebrity panel discussion on a key education theme.
Philadelphia STEM Ecosystem
At 250 Members and still growing, the Ecosystem is a diverse and divergent community of STEM providers, working in collaboration to close gaps in STEM education for Philadelphia students and teachers.
STEM Education
The McKinney Center for STEM Education is a program within PEF. Its vision is that all Philadelphia students will graduate from high school with strong STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) knowledge and skills, enabling them to succeed in a 21st century workforce and society.
STEM Resources
Looking for high-quality STEM programs and activities? Find our Philadelphia STEM Education Directory, Got STEM? Newsletter, Field Trip Guide, Outreach Guide, and a list of local, regional, and national STEM organizations and resources.
STEM Curriculum
PEF’s McKinney Center consults with in-school and out-of school programs to design STEM lesson plans, curricula, and academic coursework.
STEM Professional Development
The McKinney Center provides teacher training and workshops that cover a wide range of STEM topics and align with local, state, and national standards.
STEM Career Pathways
PEF inspires students’ interest in STEM occupations by exposing them to the diverse and interesting world of STEM careers and career pathways.
STEM Professional Networks
By working in partnership with local and regional colleagues, PEF strives to increase collaboration, reduce duplication of services, and identify and close gaps in STEM education.
