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CAP Student Awarded Prestigious Gates Millenium Scholarship

"In my life, education will be my bridge [to success] and I am going to put all of the effort I have into crossing it."
-Xavier Brown

Xavier Brown is a Paul Robeson High School senior, a College Access Program participant, and most recently, a 2010 Gate Millennium Scholar. Xavier, along with 1,000 other students nationwide, was selected among thousands of applicants for this prestigious and highly-competitive scholarship. The Gates Millennium Scholarships provide support to outstanding minority students facing significant financial need.

Xavier Brown and Honorable Chaka Fatta

Xavier graduated 8th grade from World Communications Charter School and was recruited to play varsity basketball for Paul Robeson High School. It was at Paul Robeson where Xavier met an important and influential adult in his life, former principal John Council.

A talented athlete, Xavier was en route to receive an athletic scholarship to attend college, but soon learned about academic scholarships.  Through his College Access Coordinator Gisell James and high school guidance counselor Margaret Bryant-Renwick, Xavier learned about other scholarship opportunities, including the Gates Millennium Scholarship.

Xavier identified a group of caring adults that helped contribute to his academic achievements, including mentors and coaches.  “Through all of my accomplishments, I have always had people in my corner that helped me get where I am,” Xavier said. He identified his special mentor and “first teacher” as his mother, Terry Brown. Gisell James also recognized and supported Xavier’s ambitions. “Xavier was never afraid to ask questions and ask for more information than was provided. I have no doubt that he will make the best use of all that this scholarship has to offer.” Xavier’s determination and hard work paid off; Xavier was one of 11 students selected from Pennsylvania to be recognized as a 2010 Gates Millennium Scholar.

Xavier noted that the College Access Program, in particular, “helped stay focused through my high school years and has kept me on the right path to a successful future."

Xavier hopes to continue his education and complete a doctoral program in Sports Medicine/Physical Therapy and aspires to work in the Sports Medicine/Physical Therapy field.

Xavier was recently given the opportunity to meet the Honorable Chaka Fattah, U.S. Congressman for Pennsylvania's 2nd District. During the meeting, Congressman Fattah congratulated Xavier on his academic achievements and presented him with an official United States Citation!

The College Access Program and the entire Philadelphia Education Fund congratulates Xavier Brown for this wonderful honor!

> Read Xavier's personal letter

College Access Program Helps Students Design "Ideal Colleges"

On March 24th, the Center City College Access Center hosted a group of middle school students from the afterschool program at Fulton Elementary School. The students participated in a workshop entitled “Designing your own College”, where they were given the opportunity to create their ideal colleges. The students had a great time whiling learning about college.

> Learn more about services provided by the College Access Program

> Find your nearest College Access Center

Show Me the Money: The Roadmap to Financial Aid for College

Calling all high school students! If you or a student you know is interested in learning more about the financial aid process, representatives from the College Access Program will be participating in Show Me the Money: The Roadmap to Financial Aid for College.

Candace Powell-Kinard, College Access Associate Director and Managing Coordinator, will be presenting about scholarships and providing financial aid guidance to students and their families. Other key participants will also be available to help students and their families by answering questions about the financial aid process. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend; there will be free income tax preparation for financial aid!

General information about the event:

Date: Saturday, March 27, 2010

Time: 10am - 2pm

Location: High School of the Future
                4021 Parkside Avenue
                Philadelphia, PA 19104

> Download flyer

For more information about this event, contact Tamica Tanksley, Office of State Senator Vincent Hughes, at 215-879-7777.

This event is sponsored by the Office of State Senator Vincent Hughes, in partnership with The Educational Advancement Alliance, the Mayor's Office of Education, and the School District of Philadelphia - Office of College and Career Awareness.

You Can Go to College. We Can Show You How.

As you prepare for the upcoming tax season, we at the Ed Fund are here to remind you to also prepare for Financial Aid season!

The Ed Fund’s College Access Program encourages students and their families to visit our community based College Access Centers and take advantage of our free services, including financial aid and scholarship application information and preparation.

Listed below are upcoming Financial Aid/FAFSA Workshop dates:

West Philadelphia College Access Center:

Monday March 4, 2010 4-7pm
Tuesday March 5, 2010 4-7pm
Thursday March 11, 2010 4-7pm

Friday March 12, 2010 3:30pm-6:00pm (PA State Representative James
Roebuck Financial Aid Night)
Thursday March 18, 2010 4-7pm
Friday March 19, 2010 4-7pm
Thursday March 25, 2010 4-7pm
Friday March 26, 2010 4-7pm

Center City College Access Center:

Tuesday February 2, 2010 4:30-7:00pm
Tuesday February 9, 2010 4:30-7:00pm
Tuesday February 16, 2010 4:30-7:00pm
Tuesday February 23, 2010 4:30-7:00pm

North Philadelphia College Access Center:

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Wednesday, April 7, 2010 4:30pm – 6:30pm (Bring your parents; Tax preparation in addition to FAFSA)

> Find your nearest College Access Center

North College Access Center and West College Access Center Expand Their Offices

The North Philadelphia College Access Center and the West Philadelphia College Access Center have recently relocated to larger and more accessible offices. Stop by the new offices and learn how our College Access Coordinators can help you achieve your goals!

> Learn about the services provided at each Center

Ed Fund Selected to Manage Three Student Success Centers

The Philadelphia Education Fund was selected to manage three Student Success Centers at Benjmin Franklin, Thomas Edison, and Simon Gratz High Schools. The selection of the Ed Fund to manage these three Centers builds on the organization’s 20-year history of providing college-going services to youth through the College Access Program.

> Stop by one of our Student Success Center today

Ed Fund Participates in PhillyGoes2College College Awareness Week

The Philadelphia Education Fund’s College Access Program is proud to participate in PhillyGoes2College College Awareness Week, sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of Education.

In support of College Awareness Week, the Ed Fund’s College Access Program invites students and their families to visit our community based College Access Centers and take advantage of the free college preparatory services. Services include expert guidance, advice on the college selection and application process, career exploration, and the financial aid and scholarship application process.

> Visit a Center