Helping students realize their college potential

More than 90% of the students we serve will be the first in their families to go to college. We help them recognize that they can be the trailblazers…that they are college material.

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We start early to help students build a college mindset

Through our Middle Grades Initiatives, we expose seventh and eighth graders to professional career pathways they might not have considered, helping them see what they can be.

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Supporting students in reaching their STEM career aspirations

PEF’s McKinney Center for STEM Education provides STEM resources to students, teachers, schools, families, and employers.

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Partnering with schools

Every student should have the opportunity to attend a college prep school. Meeting the challenge, our expert team consults with schools to build college-going cultures.

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Bringing students’ college ambitions within reach

A college education is a worthwhile investment. We help students place a downpayment on their future by awarding more than $600,000 in scholarships a year.

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Latest News

College & Careers, General News, Press Releases

Announcing Our Preferred Higher Education Partners

Posted: October 27, 2026

For 40 years, the Philadelphia Education Fund has worked alongside colleges and universities across our region to help Philadelphia students...

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College & Careers, General News

A Focus on Fostering College Readiness

Posted: February 26, 2026

Young people with experience in foster care face significant barriers to graduating high school and completing college. Even compared with...

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College & Careers, General News

Sparking College & Career Curiosity for Philly's Middle Grades Students

Posted: January 21, 2026

This fall, PEF’s Middle Grades Initiative, Spark, engaged a record-breaking 125 students from seven Philadelphia-area schools: Carver Middle School, E.W....

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For Students

PEF exists to help students achieve college and career success.

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For Teachers

PEF helps teachers develop skills and strategies that drive student success.

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For Schools

PEF supports schools in creating college-going cultures.

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Did you know?

Philadelphia is the nation’s poorest big city and ranks 92nd out of 100 US cities in college attainment.

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College graduates are 3.5 times less likely to live in poverty than those without a college degree.

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Job growth in STEM careers outpaced non-STEM jobs by 300%.