(Posted March 10, 2021)

A partnership between Juniata College and Philadelphia Futures, a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, Pa., will create new educational possibilities for first-generation-to-college students. 

A partnership between Juniata College and Philadelphia Futures, a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, Pa., will create new educational possibilities for first-generation-to-college students. 

HUNTINGDON, Pa. and PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — A partnership between Juniata College and Philadelphia Futures, a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, Pa., will create new educational possibilities for first-generation-to-college students from low-income families. 

“Juniata is delighted and excited to partner with Philadelphia Futures,” said Jason Moran, vice president for enrollment at Juniata College. “Philadelphia Futures does extraordinary work to support low-income, first-generation college-bound students. Through this relationship, Juniata joins Philadelphia Futures’ mission to provide economically disadvantaged students with the support, resources, and opportunities necessary for success.” 

Philadelphia Futures supports low-income, first-generation-to-college students with the tools, resources, and opportunities necessary for admission to and success in college. The students Philadelphia Futures serves are provided with a comprehensive, time-tested array of programs designed to reduce the institutional, academic, social, and financial barriers to college success. 

"Philadelphia Futures' groundbreaking, strategic partnerships with colleges and universities evidence a shared commitment to educational equity. Our college partnerships provide students with significant on-campus and financial support to ensure they have what they need to succeed in college,” said Sara Woods, President, and CEO of Philadelphia Futures. “We are thrilled to introduce Juniata College, recognized as one of the Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL), as our thirteenth college partner."

Founded in 1989 by visionary educator Marciene Mattleman, Philadelphia Futures provides two direct-service programs, Sponsor-A-Scholar (SAS) and College Connection. Through these two programs, the organization serves nearly 600 high school and college students with academic enrichment services, personalized college guidance, placement and retention services, career development, and financial resources. 

"Philadelphia Futures envisions a city where every student has what they need to succeed in college and thrive in life. We believe a college education is the key to this. Thanks to our college partnerships, we support our students with the tools, resources, and opportunities necessary for admission to and success in college,” said Woods. 

Philadelphia Futures’ programs have produced extraordinary results for more than 30 years, with 100% of the Class of 2020 students matriculating to college. The projected college graduation rate for the Class of 2016 is 80% and 99% of the Class of 2019 returned to college for their sophomore year. Additionally, 90% of the Class of 2019 were employed full-time or enrolled in graduate school by December 2019. 

Working with volunteer mentors, donors, and school and college personnel in direct service to students, in partnership with educational institutions, and in advocacy activities in the broader community, Philadelphia Futures increases the percentage of Philadelphia graduates prepared for higher education and reduces the institutional barriers to their academic and career success. 

“My team and I look forward to recruiting, educating, and preparing Philadelphia Future students to become graduates of Juniata College,” said Moran.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.