Philadelphia Scholars
What We Do
PEF’s Philadelphia Scholars Program helps Philadelphia students, many of whom are first-generation college-goers, get to and through college. Scholars are awarded scholarships based on demonstrated need and are supported further through our college persistence program.
$18 million
total Philadelphia Scholars awards to undergraduate students since 1990
40 colleges and universities
Philadelphia Scholars are learning and growing across America!
$4,500
average scholarship awarded for 2025-26
Overview
We work to reduce the financial burdens of a college education. Our Philadelphia Scholars Last Dollar Scholarship—the largest non-university based scholarship program in Philadelphia—awards $650,000 in aid annually. Eligible students who have a documented, unmet financial need of between $500 and $7,500 may apply. To support our scholarship recipients through to graduation, Philadelphia Scholars can also participate in persistence programs that include college and career success workshops and an informal peer and alumni network.
Contact us
Allison Kelsey, Senior Manager, Philadelphia Scholars Program
