The Philadelphia Education Fund

We caught up with PA State Rep Jordan Harris at Bartram High School a few weeks ago. Nestled in Southwest Philly, Bartram is home to a few greats, and Rep Harris is one of them. 17th and Dickinson. Class of 2002. Millersville University. Today, Majority Chairman of the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee. Before he spoke on an alumni panel hosted by PEF’s College Access Program, he told us how PEF powered the journey. The throughline was a scholarship. PEF’s Last Dollar Scholarship paid for books and the smaller line items his other aid didn’t cover at Millersville. “It literally was the last dollar. It was exactly what I needed at the last moment to help fund my education.” Without it, Harris says, he doesn’t know how he would have finished. “There’s plenty of young people who $500, $750 bill stops them from finishing school.” The kid from 17th and Dickinson is now the one writing the checks. Books paid for at Millersville become budgets managed in Harrisburg. That is the power of PEF in one sentence. 🎓 Bartram seniors: the Last Dollar Scholarship is open through July 8. https://bit.ly/peflastscholars The Gala is on June 4th. In the weeks leading to the celebration, we’ll be sharing stories highlighting the power and impact of the organization that powers the work we do here at PG2C. That’s the Philadelphia Education Fund. For 40 years, PEF has powered college access in Philly. #SparkingSuccess #FuelingTheFuture #40YearsOfPEF #PEFPower #PowerofPEF

Today we’re celebrating Lana’s journey from high school to the start of her nursing career with Jefferson Einstein Hospital! “PEF opened up opportunities for me to have a mentor, resources and pursue my academic goals. It helped me understand financial aid offers and what I was looking for in a university. While I was in college, PEF assisted me financially, which I am extremely grateful for. I had more time devoted to my studies, and joined different extra curricular activities.” ⭐️ Lana Marcella Resuello ⭐️ • College Access Program @cap_olney & Philadelphia Scholars Alum • Graduated from Olney High School @olneyhs in 2019 • Graduated from Gwynedd Mercy University @gmercyu in 2024 • Now a Nurse at Jefferson Einstein Hospital @jeffersonhealtheinstein #SparkingSuccess #FuelingTheFuture #40YearsOfPEF

Our celebration of expanding college access in Philadelphia for the past 40 years continues! Today we’re sharing the story of another alum, who shares how PEF’s programs made an indelible impact on his education and career journey, and helped shape his commitment to serving the next generation of students 💙 ⭐️ ABOUT DR. IRVIN CLARK ⭐️ • College Access Program & Philadelphia Scholars Alum • Graduated from Germantown High School in 1994 • Graduated from Cheyney University @cheyneyuniv in 1998 with a Bachelor’s in Social Relations • Graduated from Morgan State University @morganstateu in 2005 with a Doctorate in Education “College access, from my perspective, is deeply personal. As a first-generation college student, it represented entering a realm that no one in my immediate family had previously experienced. It was not solely about gaining acceptance; it involved navigating unfamiliar territory, overcoming self-doubt, and understanding a system not designed with my background in mind. College access signifies creating opportunities for students like me—those with talent and determination but lacking exposure or resources. It is about ensuring that one’s starting point does not dictate their potential. The support I received from PEF was profoundly impactful. It came at a critical time when encouragement and opportunities were most needed. As a first-generation student, this support transcended financial assistance; it served as a validation of my potential and a testament to someone’s belief in my future. That investment not only shaped my educational trajectory but also fostered a sense of responsibility. Currently, as a college president, I reflect often on that experience. It influences my perspectives on access, student success, and the development of comprehensive support systems. In many ways, my leadership reflects the support I once received, and I am committed to providing the same for others as PEF did for me.” Join us on June 4 for a celebratory evening of dinner, awards, and an engaging conversation on the future of education 🎓 TAP 🔗 IN BIO FOR DETAILS ℹ️ & TICKETS 🎟️ #SparkingSuccess #FuelingTheFuture #40YearsOfPEF

✨ #FBF to a reminder that the future of Philly is already in the room. Our Director of Development at the Philadelphia Education Fund (@philaedfund ), Emily Jordan shared something powerful at the @uncf_philly Mayor’s Masked Ball: 👉 Young people already have the ideas, creativity, and vision to shape the next 250 years of this city. Sometimes students just need the space, support, and encouragement to bring those ideas to life. 💡 “The future is in your hands.” #PhillyGoesToCollege #UNCF #YouthVoice #PhiladelphiaEducationFund

Part 2 of the pathways our @frankfordhs CAP Seniors are going 🎓 CAP Seniors: Please submit your acceptance letters and let us know where you’re going to be featured on another decision post! #WYPPhilly #WhatsYourPlanPhilly

Exposure changes everything. In this week’s What’s Your Plan? recap, Katherine Gilmore Richardson @councilmemberkgr , Majority Leader of Philadelphia City Council, talks about why more students need access to information around trades, unions, apprenticeships, and career pathways beyond the traditional college route. Sometimes students aren’t lacking interest, they just haven’t been introduced to the possibilities yet. 📘 Find the Philadelphia Apprenticeship Guidebook: Visit phlcouncil.com, search Catherine Gilmore Richardson, or Google Philadelphia Apprenticeship Guidebook. Hard copies are available by calling 215-686-0454 / 0455. 4 paths. 1 plan. 👉 What’s Your Plan, Philly? Led by @phillygoes2college_ in partnership with the CASE On-Time High School Graduation Action Team. #WhatsYourPlanPHL #WYPPhilly #PhillyStudents #PostSecondaryPaths #PhillyEducation

This College Access Program alum and four-year recipient of our Last Dollar Scholarship will receive her Masters in HR Development from Villanova @villanovau @clasvillanova @villanova_hrd later this month and we’re proud to celebrate her accomplishments and share her perspectives on PEF’s impact. Be sure to scroll ➡️ to her video message 🎥 ⭐️ ABOUT SAVIOLA JEAN ⭐️ • @cap_olney College Access Program & Philadelphia Scholars Alum • Graduated from Olney High School @olneyhs in 2020 • Graduated from Rosemont College @rosemontcollege in 2024 with a Business Management major and International Business minor • Will Graduate from Villanova University @villanovau later this month with her Master’s in Human Resources Development @villanova_hrd with an Inclusion and Diversity Certificate “College access means having the opportunity to see beyond my circumstances and step into possibilities I once thought were out of reach. As a first-generation student, it gave me the support, guidance, and confidence I needed to navigate unfamiliar spaces and truly believe in my potential. It’s not just about getting into college, it’s about being empowered to succeed and build a future I’m proud of. PEF shaped my journey by providing the guidance, resources, and mentorship I needed starting my freshman year of high school and continuing through college. Through programs like College Access and Summer WorkReady, I gained the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions and succeed in new environments. Most importantly, PEF helped me believe I belonged and showed me that anything is possible for my future.” Join us on June 4 for a celebratory evening of dinner, awards, and an engaging conversation on the future of education 🎓 TAP LINK IN BIO FOR DETAILS ℹ️ & TICKETS 🎟️ #SparkingSuccess #FuelingTheFuture #40YearsOfPEF 💙

Here are some of the college/universities our CAP @frankfordhs Seniors are going! We are so incredibly proud of you all, and cannot wait to see what the future holds for you. ❤️💙💛 @phillygoes2college_ @philaedfund #WYPPhilly #WhatsYourPlanPhilly

Celebrating the places our FKD CAP Seniors are going! 🎓 We are so incredibly proud of all the hard work you’ve put in this year. We wish you all the best. ❤️💙💛 #whatsyourplanphilly #wypphilly

💙 PEF’s 40th Anniversary Gala is one month away, and as we head towards this milestone event, we’re celebrating the people and perspectives that illuminate our impact. From first steps to full-circle moments, these stories show what’s possible with access and opportunity ⭐️ “I serve on the board of the Philadelphia Education Fund, and as the second in my family to earn a degree I know firsthand how life‑changing college access programs can be. I am deeply grateful for the information, exposure, and hands‑on support I received; these resources opened doors I never imagined and helped me complete college with three earned degrees. Over the next 40 years, I hope PEF expands its reach, strengthens student support, and keeps inspiring young people to recognize and seize the possibilities of higher education and career success. Join us on June 4 for an evening of dinner, awards, and an engaging conversation on the future of education 🎓 TAP LINK IN BIO FOR DETAILS ℹ️ & TICKETS 🎟️ #SparkingSuccess #FuelingTheFuture #40YearsOfPEF

✨ #FBF to our CEO Farah Jimenez at @uncf_philly Mayor’s Masked Ball reminding us that college isn’t just about classes… it’s about connections! In a city where economic mobility is a challenge; 👉 education becomes the pathway 👉 networks become the leverage #PhillyGoesToCollege #EducationMatters #PhiladelphiaEducationFund #StudentSuccess

As we celebrate 40 years of expanding college access in Philadelphia, we’re proud to share another PEF alum’s story - highlighting the impact our programs had on her college experience and career trajectory. ⭐️ ABOUT DOMINIQUE THOMAS, MPH ⭐️ • College Access Program & Philadelphia Scholars Alum • Graduated from Paul Robeson HS for Human Services Class of 2012 • Earned a bachelor’s degree from Temple University @templeuniv in 2016 with a major in psychology and minor in public health • Earned a master’s in public health from Drexel University @drexeluniv @drexelpubhealth in 2024 • Manager of Community Engagement and Outreach at Penn Engineering @pennengineering “As a PEF alumna and graduate of the Philadelphia School District, I can attest to the phenomenal impact of their College Access Program which fosters connections to college exploration and resources to support college admissions/decision making processes. As a first-generation college student, I often faced uncertainty about the path ahead, but PEF connected me with mentors and resources that made that path clearer and more attainable. Through their guidance, I was able to navigate the college admissions process with confidence and intention. Over the years, I have held professional roles across STEM education, public health, and community engagement. Yet, it is through youth advocacy and mentorship that I have found my greatest sense of purpose and impact! PEF’s mission is foundational to my continued passion of working directly with students who, like me, are navigating systems that often overlook their potential. Nevertheless, together in community we persist… Thank you PEF for 40 years of commitment to uplifting scholars, transforming lives and strengthening communities across Philadelphia. May your mission continue to expand, your impact deepen, and your work inspire lasting change.” Join us on June 4 for a celebratory evening of dinner, awards, and an engaging conversation on the future of education 🎓 TAP LINK IN BIO FOR GALA DETAILS ℹ️ & TICKETS 🎟️ #SparkingSuccess #FuelingTheFuture #40YearsOfPEF