Campus Philly is known for attracting and engaging college-educated talent at scale. Today, more than 181,000 new degree holders now call our region home. Our strategy for supporting regional retention has serious momentum. It’s fueling our economy, strengthening our civic life, and ensuring that Philadelphia remains competitive in a rapidly changing workforce landscape.

But sustaining this growth requires intention. Generation Z is a smaller cohort than the Millennials who came before them, and competition for early-career talent is intensifying nationwide. To succeed, Greater Philadelphia must double down on bold, inclusive strategies that showcase not only our world-class colleges and universities, but also our vibrant neighborhoods, cultural assets, and myriad career pathways. That is why the year ahead feels especially pivotal.

As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary this year, Philadelphia is in the global spotlight. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to elevate our region as a place to study, live, work, and play. At Campus Philly, we are seizing this moment to amplify awareness of the extraordinary opportunities available here and to ensure students and young professionals see themselves as part of Philadelphia’s future.

Read more.

Register now to get your taxes ready for the FAFSA! The Zoom link will be available after registering and in confirmation emails.

Informational flyer.

The 13 selected projects—spanning art, history, civic engagement, education, and culture—showcase the creativity, collaboration, and impact of the Greater Philadelphia region’s higher education and nonprofit sectors. Each project connects students, faculty, and community partners in exploring the region’s vital role in the nation’s founding and future.

The second round of Campus250 grants is now open, with proposals due January 30, 2026. Interested colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to attend one of two upcoming information sessions:

• Monday, December 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM; register here
• Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 2:00-3:00 PM; register here

Learn more.

This is an unique opportunity to experience college life in Philly, explore different career paths, network with young professionals and local college students, and build skills that will help in school, college, and a future career.

Attendees will meet reps from companies, colleges, non-profits, and government organizations across the Greater Philadelphia area and get a sense of what being a student in Philly is all about!

Plus, all attendees can explore Franklin Hall, Body Odyssey, and Wondrous Space during the event.

Currently, the Campus Philly Fall Career Event is only open to current college students, plus high school juniors and seniors.

Register.

We have a great line up already in the works including:

• IKEA
• SEPTA
• Citizens
• Comcast
• IBX
• Campbell Soup Company
• Five Below
• Indego Bike Share
• Herr’s Snack Foods
• Peter Pan Bus Lines
• Honeygrow
• Drag Queen Entertainment
• International House Philadelphia
• FIRE
• Center City District
• Philadelphia’s Visitors Center/PHLASH

If you have a suggestion for an exhibitor or sponsor, please send a note or introduction directly to your contact to Jennifer Kebea at Jennifer@Campusphilly.org. We hope to have all sponsors and exhibitors confirmed and under contract by July 14.

As we highlight the milestones of this past year in our Annual Report, we also take a moment to celebrate a significant milestone in our organization’s history. This past November, Campus Philly proudly celebrated our 20th Anniversary alongside our dedicated partners and friends. It was a moment to reflect on two decades of remarkable progress, and a time to commit to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Over the last twenty years, Campus Philly has been a driving force in attracting, engaging, and retaining college-educated talent in Greater Philadelphia. Today, with more than 181,000 new degree holders calling this region home, Philadelphia has emerged as a top destination for recent graduates to launch their careers.

Position Summary: The Director of Student Engagement functions as Campus Philly’s relationship manager for college and university partners, maintaining relationships in enrollment management, student life, career services, alumni engagement, the president’s office and with specific departments and programs, faculty, and staff. The Director supports the VP of Partnerships with college and university partnership management and renewal process each spring. The position also sets the schedule and oversees execution of all student and higher ed programming including CollegeFest, career programming, Inclusive Leadership Conference, “Philly Night Out” series, and others.

Application deadline: February 12, 2025

Full job description and application information.

Research Briefing (Virtual)
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 10am-11am

Each year, over 20,000 international students enroll in colleges and universities in Greater Philadelphia. These students play a crucial role in the local higher education system and make a significant economic impact on the region. Many choose to study in the U.S. to gain work experience after graduation. This trend is especially important as higher education institutions nationwide face an impending “enrollment cliff” due to a decline in the number of 18-year-olds in the U.S. starting in 2025.

Attend this research briefing to understand the upcoming talent challenges, discover how our region can leverage the increasing number of international graduates, and discuss implications for 2025 and beyond.

Speakers include:

Jennifer Kebea, president, Campus Philly
Bill Keyes, program director, International House Philadelphia

Register today for our virtual research briefing

Join us online for an informative session on navigating the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Our experts will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Whether you’re a student or a parent, this workshop is designed to help you understand the financial aid application better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to secure your future education. Register now and let’s demystify FAFSA together!

This event is hosted by PhillyGoes2College, Campus Philly, and Heights Philadelphia.

Date and Time: Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Register.

Join Campus Philly and International House Philadelphia, in partnership with The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and hosted by Temple CIBER, as we explore key research, current trends, and the future potential of international talent in Greater Philadelphia.

Date and Time: Friday, October 4, 2024, 9:00-11:30 AM

Location: Temple Fox School of Business, 1801 Liacouras Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19122

What to expect (agenda).

Register.

Join Campus Philly and International House Philadelphia, in partnership with The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and hosted by Temple CIBER, as we explore key research, current trends, and the future potential of international talent in Greater Philadelphia.

Date and Time: Friday, October 4, 2024, 9:00-11:30 AM

Location: Temple Fox School of Business, 1801 Liacouras Walk, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19122

Learn more and register.

Position Summary: The Director of Partnership Development is a dynamic, results-oriented, and collaborative position supporting Campus Philly’s efforts to grow and fulfill paid partnerships with corporate, government, nonprofit, and philanthropic organizations. The ideal candidate will be a frontline fundraiser for the organization, able to organize a wide variety of information, hold a big-picture view of all Campus Philly partnerships, and develop deep understanding of the unique relationships we have with individual partners.

The Director of Partnership Development reports to the President of Campus Philly and works in collaboration with the full Campus Philly team.

Application deadline: September 30, 2024

Full job description and application information.

YSL is a national network, co-founded by Campus Philly, dedicated to best practice around talent attraction, growth, and retention.

Our upcoming three-day conference in Philadelphia will bring together leaders from economic development, higher education, business, government, and community organizations—and we hope you will join us!

We encourage cities and regions to send teams to the conference. Group discounts are available for teams of five or more. Early-bird registration closes on June 30. Get your tickets.

We invite dynamic proposals that share strategy and best practice or explore future trends around talent attraction, growth, and retention. Multiple session formats are available, and creativity is encouraged. The call for proposals closes on June 30. Submit your proposal.

We invite you to sponsor the Young, Smart, and Local conference and play a pivotal role in its success. By partnering with us, you will align your brand with cutting-edge talent strategies and demonstrate your commitment to driving local and national impact. Email Jen Kebea, president of Campus Philly, to learn more.

Early-bird registration: We encourage cities and regions to send teams to the conference. Group rates are available for teams of five or more. Early-bird registration closes on June 30.

Call for proposals: We invite dynamic proposals that share strategy and best practice or explore future trends around talent attraction, growth, and retention. Multiple session formats are available, and creativity is encouraged. The call for proposals closes on June 30.

Interested in being a sponsor or exhibitor at the 2024 Young, Smart, & Local Conference? Email Jen Kebea, president of Campus Philly, at jennifer@campusphilly.org.

Campus Philly, one of the founding organizations of the Young, Smart, and Local network and the host of the 2024 conference, will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on November 14. Your conference registration includes a ticket to the event, and we hope you’ll stay to celebrate with us!

Service Term: July 15, 2024 – July 14, 2025

The goal of this VISTA project is to encourage local, BIPOC, low-income, and first-generation high school students and community college students to enroll into colleges and universities in Greater Philadelphia and to connect them to key resources and opportunities, including internships and jobs, to ensure they remain in the region after graduation. The Campus Philly Access Coordinator will play a pivotal role in ensuring this goal is met.

Learn more and apply here

The 2023 Annual Report is more than just a compilation of statistics and figures—it’s a testament to our collective efforts, steadfast commitment, and innovative approaches to empowering the next generation of leaders in Greater Philadelphia.

Sincere thanks are due to our partners across the region who invest in Campus Philly’s mission and make our work possible. Whether you’ve been a longstanding partner, a dedicated colleague, or a valued supporter, this report is a tribute to your invaluable contributions to our shared mission.

As Campus Philly prepares for our 20th anniversary this year, we are proud to celebrate the tremendous growth our region has experienced in college graduate retention. However, amid this achievement, we acknowledge the challenges on the horizon including shifting demographics, socioeconomic inequalities, and concerns for public safety.

Campus Philly is steadfast in our support and collaboration with partners, community leaders, and government officials who are working tirelessly to address the pressing issues facing Philadelphia. Safety and equity are crucial to ensuring a vibrant and inclusive environment for all who call Greater Philadelphia home, including members of Generation Z.

As our region welcomes members of Generation Z—a comparatively smaller generation—into the workforce, we recognize that Greater Philadelphia must embrace innovative strategies to sustain our position as a premier destination for college graduates. With your support, Campus Philly will continue to build, retain, and attract the talent our region needs to grow and thrive.

At Campus Philly’s Spring Career Event, you’ll network in person with students and recent grads in the Greater Philadelphia area (We are expecting 200+ attendees). Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to receive the resumes of every student registered for the event!

Click here to register for the Spring Career Event!

Date and Time: Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 5:00 – 7:00 PM

Whether your students are interested in exploring specific neighborhoods or want recommendations on the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon, Campus Philly’s Guide to Philly is a one-stop spot for finding the best events, restaurants, and attractions in Greater Philadelphia.

Reserve your spot.

JobFest takes place September 26, 2023, from 3-6 pm EST virtually on Brazen and in-person on October 5 from 4 – 6 pm EST at the University City Science Center.

JobFest is a two-week hybrid celebration of all things careers! Join us virtually on September 26 for our virtual job fair on Brazen and then in person at our networking event on October 5, hosted in partnership with University City Science Center. Plus, learn how to be featured in our content throughout the events. This is an exciting opportunity for employers to meet with early career talent from over 30 colleges and universities spanning ALL majors and recent grads up to 5 years.

Learn more and register here.