The Triangle

Issue date: 11/20/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Emily Olson

On Nov. 9, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter introduced the City's first College Awareness Week, a program design to help parents and potential students learn more about college selection and finances and to encourage more students to consider attending a college or university.

"I think it is wonderful that Philadelphia's mayor, Michael Nutter, is so supportive of higher education and is promoting the importance of obtaining a college degree to Philadelphia secondary school students and their families," David Ruth, dean of students at Drexel, stated in an email. "We live in a global economy and it is important for the future of our country's economy to have a skilled and educated workforce to remain competitive."

Nov. 15, Mayor Nutter along with other representatives, officially introduced College Awareness Week and the events to follow.

"Every young person who wants to go to college should have the opportunity to go to college," Nutter said. "Through the PhillyGoes2College Initiative we have already made great progress educating young people and families on how to apply for financial aid. With this inaugural College Awareness Week we are providing information to young people from many different backgrounds on all aspects of college life."

The PhillyGoes2College Initiative's overall objective is to promote college education by defining it as essential to living a productive life in the global economy and to help Philadelphia children achieve their goals. Under the Initiative, Nutter has set a goal to double the number of college-bound Philadelphia students within five to seven years. PhillyGoes2College began last year, and in one year more than 100 volunteer city employees have been trained in understanding the FAFSA form so that they may help families complete it, contributing to a nine percent increase in FAFSA completions within that year.

State Representative Kenyatta Johnson hosted the 186th District Student Achievement College Fair Nov. 14, which included workshops on applying to schools, chosing a college, and financial aid and scholarships. Thirty different colleges and universities were represented at the fair.

Philadelphia's National College Fair occurred at the Convention Center the following day, with over 400 colleges and universities represented. Workshops for middle school students and their families were arranged Nov. 19 to inform them on high school and college and on planning for college finances.

The Historically Black College and University Fair occurred at Ben Franklin High School Nov. 19. On-site admissions, application fee waivers, and college prep workshops were provided to students.

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