White-Williams Scholars and Philadelphia Futures had long shared a mission to provide high-potential, economically disadvantaged Philadelphia students with life-changing programs and resources as they made their way to and through college. Recognizing the greater impact that a combined organization could have, on July 1, 2011, Philadelphia Futures and White-Williams Scholars merged and became one organization. The union builds on the rich tradition and experience of both organizations, allowing us to make an even greater impact on low-income, first-generation-to-college students in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Futures: a union of White-Williams Scholars and Philadelphia Futures provides Philadelphia’s low-income, first-generation-to-college students with the tools, resources and opportunities necessary for admission to and success in college.
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To ensure that the newly merged organization would realize the promise of the merger to leverage the strengths of both organizations and expand the depth, reach and impact of the services offered to Philadelphia students, the newly combined organization undertook a comprehensive strategic planning process in September 2011. The Strategic Plan was developed with the input of over 150 stakeholders and was approved by the Board of Directors on July 19, 2012. The Strategic Plan continues to inform and drive Philadelphia Futures’ operations and planning as we move forward.
To continue the legacy of White-Williams Scholars and to recognize the power of combining financial assistance with academic and personal support, beginning in 2013, White-Williams Scholars Incentive Awards are being granted three times per year to eligible high school students participating in Philadelphia Futures’ Sponsor-A-Scholar and College Connection Programs. Award recipients must exhibit academic excellence, commendable character and positive and active engagement in program classes and activities.
History of White-Williams Scholars
Founded in 1800 as the Magdalen Society, White-Williams Scholars is one of the oldest charities in the United States, with more than 200 years of service to Philadelphia. White-Williams Scholars had a highly regarded reputation of helping low-income students with the financial resources necessary to cover educational costs, enable them to focus on their studies and support their academic goals in high school. For many decades, this was achieved by providing monthly financial stipends that helped students stay focused on their studies. The organization also developed the concept of in-school guidance counseling, and this important legacy endures in American schools today. In 2006, White-Williams Scholars expanded its offerings, providing college preparation through direct service programs. Starting in 1995, White-Williams Scholars also began serving as the Administrator for The Charles E. Ellis Trust for Girls, which funds opportunities for girls in Philadelphia who live in low-income, single-parent families. More information about The Ellis Trust for Girls can also be found on its website at www.ellistrust.org.
History of Philadelphia Futures
Throughout its history, Philadelphia Futures has been driven by the belief that children raised in urban poverty can transform their lives through the power of education. Established in 1989, Philadelphia Futures has remained true to its vision to help low-income, first-generation-to-college students in Philadelphia enter – and succeed in – college. Since 1990, its award-winning, cornerstone college access and retention program, Sponsor-A-Scholar (SAS), has grown from a mentoring and scholarship program into a comprehensive, intensive, multi-year array of year-round services.
Each fall, Philadelphia Futures publishes the Step Up to College Guide: Philadelphia’s Guide to the College Preparation, Application, Admissions & Financial Aid Processes. More than 40,000 print copies of the Guide are distributed – at no cost – to public, public charter and parochial high schools as well as the Free Library of Philadelphia, community-based organizations and government offices. Content from the Step Up to College Guide can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and through cell phone text alerts.
To bring its services to greater scale, in 2013, Philadelphia Futures launched its new College Connection Program and Outreach Futures initiative. College Connection offers low-income, high-achieving Philadelphia students personalized college guidance and support from 11th grade through college completion. Outreach Futures brings Philadelphia Futures’ expertise in supporting the college aspirations of first-generation-to-college students to the broader Philadelphia community.