Photo via College Possible

Every year since 2009, PPRA has selected an annual PRoactive partner. This partner organization is a local nonprofit whose mission aligns with the values of PPRA. We are pleased to introduce this year’s PRoactive partner: College Possible Philadelphia.

Meet members of the College Possible team and learn more about their mission at PPRA’s 75th Anniversary Jubilee on Thursday, January 16th. Donations to support College Possible Philadelphia will be accepted at the event. See below for more information on recommended donations.

What does College Possible Philadelphia do?
College Possible Philadelphia focuses on one of the most important issues in the Greater Philadelphia region- education. The nonprofit organization works with high school students from low-income backgrounds in six Philadelphia and Delaware County schools to guide them to and through college, starting in their junior year of high school. This includes an intensive curriculum of coaching and support through which students attend school-based sessions focused on SAT prep, college and scholarship applications, academic, social, and professional skill development, and more. Coaching continues through to college graduation and provides ongoing financial aid consulting, guidance for on-campus resources, and general support for students as they progress through school.

• 90 percent of College Possible Philadelphia students are first generation college students.
• 80 percent are students of color.
• The average family income of students served is less than $28,000.
• 96 percent of College Possible Philadelphia students earn admission to college.
• Students served by College Possible are 4X more likely to earn a degree.

Why did PPRA choose College Possible Philadelphia as this year’s PRoactive partner?
2020 is a monumental year for College Possible Philadelphia as it celebrates its first class of students who joined the program in high school who are on track to graduate college in May. Given that PPRA is an organization that emphasizes the importance of a success pipeline for students from college to career, we thought a PRoactive partnership with College Possible Philadelphia would be a natural fit. We are excited to work with them throughout our 2019-2020 programming year.

How can you help College Possible Philadelphia?
College Possible Philadelphia has asked PPRA to help with raising awareness about their efforts and success.

As a non-profit, College Possible Philadelphia also depends on the generosity of people like you. Please consider donating today: CollegePossible.org/ForPhilly.

The students served also often need supplies – whether its notebooks, pencils, and folders for their current classes, dorm kits as they prepare to head off to college, or snack items, water, and juice for SAT snack bags for SAT practice exams and Real Deal. We will be collecting these types of materials at PPRA events all year long but please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to arrange a collection drive in your office or schedule a pickup or drop off of supplies.