The School District of Philadelphia
440 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130
Mayor Michael Nutter, School District of Philadelphia and Community and Civic Groups Announce Philly Goes 2 College Campaign To Assist With Financial Aid
Philadelphians to receive free assistance in filling out the Federal Financial Aid Form
Philadelphia (February 3, 2009) - Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Arlene C. Ackerman and Community College of Philadelphia President Dr. Stephen Curtis joined college access and community leaders today to announce a new citywide initiative aimed at helping citizens complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online. By completing the form, Philadelphians can capture a greater share of federal money available to pay for college tuition.
FAFSA is the federal application for financial aid, but it is also used to apply for aid from other sources. Filling out the FAFSA form is an important first step toward getting financial aid for college. More than $100 billion in federal aid is available for college students to access nationwide this year.
"Since I took office last year, one of my central goals has been to increase the number of Philadelphians going to college," said Mayor Michael Nutter. "We know that now, more than ever, we must encourage our city’s young people and adults to reach higher and get their college degrees. Their academic achievement is important for their own lives, and our community as a whole. With this campaign – Philly Goes 2 College – we are now focusing on the first step for many, which is financial aid. The sooner you submit the FAFSA form, the more likely it is that there will be funds available to help you pay your tuition." Federal financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
The "2" in the Philly Goes 2 College title represents the amount a college graduate in Philadelphia can earn over a lifetime – about $2 million dollars – according to recent research by Northeastern University’s Center for Labor Market Studies. This amount is over $1 million more than a Philadelphia high school graduate will earn over a lifetime. This $1 million difference not only impacts people’s personal lives, but the economic vitality of our larger community as well.
The School District of Philadelphia is strongly supporting the Philly Goes 2 College effort. "Without question, we are seriously committed to increasing supports and programs to help any Philadelphia student who wants to go to college. This College Access Center shows commitment to unlocking the pathways and possibilities of a college education. As tuition costs continue to rise, the challenge of finding and applying for financial aid grows more complex," said School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. Arlene Ackerman. "The process can be overwhelming, especially for first generation students--forms are complicated, not every family has internet access or the know-how experience to guide the process. Aid is available and the application process is free; in fact, this year federal student aid exceeds $100 billion. At Centers like this, students will now have additional help with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and free internet access to make it happen, to make a dream come true."
Stephen M. Curtis, president of Community College of Philadelphia, said, "Community College of Philadelphia is pleased to participate in this public awareness campaign aimed at making sure that students fill out the Free Federal Application for Financial Aid as early as possible. Filling out the FAFSA is one of the most important steps students can take toward becoming eligible for financial aid. That is why we at the College have started holding financial planning workshops for students."
Ms. Mary Rochford, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia added, "The Philly Goes 2 College Campaign is a fabulous opportunity for the parents and guardians of our 2009 high school graduates in the City of Philadelphia to gain a greater percentage of federal dollars to support college tuitions. Too often it is only after the fact that parents and guardians learn of such assistance programs. Knowing this process upfront will greatly increase the opportunity to secure the necessary funds for many of our aspiring college students. The families of students in our Archdiocesan secondary schools in the City of Philadelphia are most grateful to Mayor Nutter and all of our elected officials who work to push effective and vital programs like Philly Goes 2 College to the forefront!"
Philadelphia's public awareness campaign is targeted at students in public, private and parochial schools who are graduating this June and will be starting college in September 2009. The effort also targets students currently in college who need to update the financial data on their FAFSA forms, as well as any adults who are attending college or want to attend college and need financial help to realize their dreams.
Federal financial aid dollars cover expenses such as tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, computers, dependent care and transportation.
Among the organizations supporting Philly Goes 2 College are the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Federal Student Aid, Graduate! Philadelphia, Philadelphia Education Fund, Community College of Philadelphia, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and Project GRAD (Graduation Really Achieves Dreams) Philadelphia.
A list of all locations throughout Philadelphia where high school seniors, college students, and adults wanting to go back to college can find locations for free help in filling out the FAFSA form online is available at a new website: www.phillygoes2college.com. The website will serve as the destination for all information about Philly Goes 2 College, including the individual websites for all organizations involved in the initiative.
In recent years, a small number of Philadelphians have taken the time to fill out and complete their FAFSA forms, losing out on the ability to capture thousands of dollars in financial aid from federal, state and college and university sources. This effort is aimed at promoting awareness and increasing the number of applicants.
Community organizations, the School District of Philadelphia's Office of High School Reform and employees from the City of Philadelphia have already been trained to volunteer and help citizens fill out their FAFSA forms online for free. The volunteers began their work last month at neighborhood FAFSA completion events sponsored by colleges, universities, the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia and community organizations. Those free sessions will continue from now through the end of June.
Because schools and state agencies have deadlines to apply for aid that are earlier than the federal deadlines and use FAFSA information as a means to determine need, it is important to apply right away. Students are now filing the 2009-2010 FAFSA Application. The deadline for the Pennsylvania State Grant is May 1, 2009 for first-time, renewal and students in transfer programs at a Community College. All people interested in obtaining federal aid have until June 30, 2009 to submit a competed FAFSA form for consideration for the 2009-2010 academic year.
Completing the FAFSA is not the end of a student’s college journey, but the beginning. Education beyond high school has many benefits. Individuals with a college education usually earn more money during their lifetimes and have a wider selection of career choices. College also provides an opportunity to learn new things, meet new people, and experience different cultures and perspectives.
Today's announcement was made at the College Access Center at the Gallery at Market East. The Center, jointly managed by the Philadelphia Education Fund's College Access Program and Graduate! Philadelphia, provides free college access services for students and adults and plays a key role in support of Mayor Nutter's education goals for the City.