College Success Network – PHENND

ONLINE THIS OCTOBER: What’s Your Plan? Has An Official Home On PG2C

hillarya — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:39:04 +0000

This year, the citywide “What’s Your Plan?” (WYP) campaign is evolving to include a more robust online resource for Philadelphia students and families.

Created to help young people explore life after high school without pressure, shame, or a one-size-fits-all mindset, WYP brings together well-curated information, inspiration, video interviews, and expert advice across a range of postsecondary pathways – including college, community college, trades, military, employment, and entrepreneurship.

Now, all of that content has a centralized new home on the PhillyGoes2College website, making it easier than ever for students and families to explore their options, find answers to their questions, and discover a path that feels right for them. Whether they have a plan already or are still figuring it out, WYP is here to help Philly’s young people move toward successful postsecondary outcomes and fulfilling careers.

Learn more here.

It Takes a Village: FAFSA Virtual Workshop – Oct 6

hillarya — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 16:52:52 +0000

Join us virtually on Tuesday, October 6th from 6:00 – 7:00 PM, for an informative session on navigating the FAFSA!

Experts will guide you through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process and answer any questions you may have. Participating students also have a chance to win a free laptop!

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.

Tentative program:

FAFSA Fast Facts/ Myth Busting presentation
Expert panel, addressing following questions:
- Info needed to prep for FAFSA application process
- Challenges students and families face when completing the FAFSA and advice for overcoming common snags
- Why is FAFSA worth it?
Breakout sessions for individual and tough questions

Register now and let’s demystify FAFSA together!

Informational flyer.

NACAC National College Fair – Oct 10

hillarya — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:51:28 +0000

Free and open to the public, National College Fairs are the perfect place to begin or continue your college search. No matter where you are in the college search process, NACAC College Fairs have something for you!

Our virtual and in-person fairs can draw representatives from over 600 colleges. The schools are located throughout the US, and from around the globe. Don’t know where to start? Research colleges attending the fair to determine if they meet your search criteria and make sure to reference your College Matchmaking™ email to ensure you connect with your best-fits!

Ask representatives the questions that are important to you. What’s college life like? What majors are popular on campus? Chatting, whether in-person or virtually, with representatives from a variety of colleges can help you cement your own preferences.

Your dream school is out there! Let NACAC College Fairs help you find it!

Date and Time: Saturday, October 10, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

October 2026 College Awareness Month Campaign

hillarya — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:38:24 +0000

Now in its second year, the College Access & Success Ecosystem (CASE) College Awareness Month campaign is a local activation of the American College Application Campaign (ACAC), which is a national initiative designed to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from under-resourced communities pursuing a college degree.

Key activities for the October campaign will include in-person and virtual “college fit” workshops, citywide college fairs, fee waivers from participating colleges, on-site college and FAFSA application workshops, career exploration events, and more.

Weekly emails will be sent next month outlining campaign events and activities. Be on the lookout so you can add applicable events to your calendar and/or register for them directly! There is still time to get involved. If you are interested in participating, please complete this form.

All of the College Awareness Month events and activities will be added to the PG2C Calendar. Be sure to bookmark this page so you can revisit as more events are added!

Zoom Workshop: Restoring Opportunity as Low-Income Students Face Unmet Financial Need – Oct 8 & 15

hillarya — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 19:47:05 +0000

The Yes We Must Coalition is offering a Short ’Shop, a one-session Learning Session followed a week later with a Community of Practice meeting for college/university teams and members of organizations on Restoring Opportunity as Low-Income Students Face Unmet Financial Need on Thursday, October 8, 2026, 2:00–3:30 PM (Learning Session) and Thursday, October 15, 2026, 2:00–3:00 PM (Community of Practice Discussion). The Short ’Shop will be led by Yes We Must Coalition Associate Member Tom Mortenson, who has been championing the financial needs of students from poverty throughout his career, particularly as a senior scholar at The Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education. The short workshop is intended for cross-campus or cross-organization teams of at least 2 people.

A national authority on higher education enrollment trends, Tom will interpret longitudinal data showing the alarming impact of income on equity trends in college enrollment, persistence, and completion. He will discuss the need for policy reforms and other interventions. How can your college/university or organization learn from the data and be part of necessary change and opportunity? How can you use the data Tom will share to make the case for change?

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Learn more and register.

CSN Advocacy, Belonging and Career (ABC) Program – Apply by Sep 25

hillarya — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:35:15 +0000

The CSN Advocacy, Belonging and Career (ABC) Program is a six week virtual program that offers a $250 stipend to students upon program completion with a capstone policy brief.

The program is designed to help first-gen/low income students:

Transition into the workforce with concrete skills
Be an effective member of a team
Give and receive constructive feedback
Tell your first-gen story/personal branding

The program includes six virtual 90 minute sessions from 6:30-8:00 pm EST on: October 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, (with optional in-person meeting on November 14th).

Students who complete the entire program will also be eligible to receive a stipend of up to $250. This includes attending all sessions, uploading a policy brief (at the end of the program) and completing evaluation surveys.

Applications are open until September 25.

Apply here.

CSN Career Readiness and Mentorship Program 2026-2027

hillarya — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:27:49 +0000

First Gen Students: Looking for a Job or Paid Internship?

Collective Success Network (CSN) supports and empowers first-generation and/or low-income (FGLI) college students at institutions in Philadelphia and the surrounding area.

Our Mentorship Program is a cohort program that is also tailored to individual needs and interests. We provide holistic support navigating all aspects of college, along with targeted professional development and career counseling, including: help with your resume, cover letters, LinkedIn page and internship/job search; opportunities for job shadowing and invitations to interactive panels, workshops and networking with professionals in diverse fields; support with graduate school applications and/or for those students interested in exploring careers in STEM. In addition to our vast network of professional volunteers, we also provide near-peer mentoring with FGLI early career professionals.

Learn more and apply.

Webinar: Supporting Students with Special Circumstances Through the Financial Aid Process – Sep 10

hillarya — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 18:34:07 +0000

Navigating the financial aid process can be especially challenging for students facing unique circumstances. This webinar will provide an overview of the financial aid application process, available sources of financial aid, and key considerations for supporting students from special populations, including:

Refugee and migrant students
Students experiencing homelessness
Students in foster care
Expectant and parenting student

Participants will gain practical information to help students better understand and navigate the financial aid process and access available resources and support. The presentation will conclude with a Q&A session, providing an opportunity for participants to ask questions and learn more from PHEAA.

Date and Time: Thursday, September 10, 2026, 10:00-11:00 AM

Learn more and register.

Webinar: PA FAFSA GO! Best Practices for FAFSA Awareness & Completion – Aug 31

hillarya — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 20:57:48 +0000

Please join us for a statewide webinar focused on key practices to access financial aid in Pennsylvania and support financial wellness for our postsecondary students.

Description and Goals: Meet statewide organizations behind the PA FAFSA Go! collaborative and get support for your students and families to access state and federal financial aid for postsecondary programs in PA . Understand recent legislation that requires graduating PA high school seniors to be informed about the opportunities of FAFSA with support to complete, or opt-out. Learn from peer colleagues’ best practice FAFSA initiatives, gain access to resources available, and get connected to practical support in your community!

Date and Time: Monday, August 31, 2026, 1:00–2:30 PM

Learn more and register.

PHEAA Webinar: Deep Dive into Covering the Gap – May 19

hillarya — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:49:08 +0000

It’s crunch time. The semester bill has arrived—and the deadline to pay is approaching quickly. The bill’s format may look different from the financial aid offer you received earlier, and you may be wondering what costs aren’t included on that bill. What happened to your Federal Work‑Study award? Are there additional expenses you should be planning for? Will you need to borrow—and if so, how much and through which loan programs?

Join members from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) for a webinar that will walk you through these questions and more. Together, we’ll take a deep dive into Covering the Gap—helping you understand remaining costs, explore available loan options, and make informed decisions about how to finance your semester.

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 19, 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM

Learn more and register.

Webinar: Youth In Care Transitioning to College – Financial and Transition Support – May 5

hillarya — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:57:35 +0000

Are you working with youth in care who want to get a college degree? Then this webinar is for you! Please join us for an important encore presentation on how foster youth can get a post-secondary education tuition-free and the issues they need to consider during the critical transition period between high school and college. Learn how you can support them as they navigate the financial aid process and prepare for college. This event is great for high school youth in care, resource parents, and anyone who supports or works with foster youth.

Information will be provided on college entitlements including the PA Tuition Waiver (FosterED) and the Chafee grant for the 2026 – 2027 academic year as well as challenges students face and supports that are available before they enter college and once they are enrolled to help them be successful on their educational journeys.

Date and Time: May 5, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 12:00-12:30 PM optional Q & A

Learn more and register.

Informational flyer.

Zoom Event: Supporting Immigrant Students in Uncertain Times: Tools for College Access Professionals – Apr 16

hillarya — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0000

Supporting immigrant students has become increasingly complex as shifting immigration policies, heightened enforcement, and widespread uncertainty cause many young people to question whether college is still within reach.

Join the Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable (PCPR) and leaders from the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration for tools and strategies to better support undocumented, DACA‑eligible, refugee, and other immigrant students on their path to college.

Date and Time: Thursday, April 16, 2026, 9:00-11:00 PM

For more information, and to register for the Zoom link, please click here.

PHEAA Webinar: 2026-07 FAFSA Completion – Apr 21

hillarya — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:41:35 +0000

Our FREE workshop provides hands on FAFSA Completion for college-bound students and their parents.

Do you want one on one support with completing the 2026-27 FAFSA?

Join us for virtual one-on-one assistance during our FAFSA Completion Workshop from 5:00 to 7:00 PM (ET) on April 21.

Learn more and register.

PHEAA Webinar: Financial Aid Overview for 2026-27 Academic Year – May 7

hillarya — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:36:21 +0000

This event will feature a guest speaker from PHEAA. The webinar provides an overview of the new and changing process to apply for financial aid beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. During this presentation, we will discuss higher education costs, the types of financial aid available, and how to apply for financial aid. There will be time available to address Q&A after the presentation.

Date and Time: Thursday, May 7, 2026, 6:30-8:00 PM

PHEAA Webinar: Borrowing for Higher Education – May 7

hillarya — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:31:29 +0000

You’ve chosen schools, filed your FAFSA and Pennsylvania State Grant Form, searched for scholarships, and reviewed your college costs. After calculating your funding gap, you may find that loans are necessary. But what should you do next?

Join PA Forward’s Account Executives for a webinar on student loan options. They will explain the various federal and private education loan programs, review the pros and cons of each, and help you make informed borrowing decisions. PA Forward’s Account Executives will answer your questions to help you choose the best options for you and your family.

Date and Time: Thursday, May 7, 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

Learn more and register.

2026 College Prep Workshops, Free Library of Philadelphia

hillarya — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:11:36 +0000

The Free Library is excited to announce a new series of free college prep workshops!

In partnership with The Alexander Advantage, select Free Library locations is hosting programs for college-bound high school students and their families.

Offered workshops include Scholarships 101; FAFSA Completion; College Fit and Planning; SAT Prep Sessions for Math, Writing, and Reading; and Proctored Practice SAT Exams.

Learn more and sign up.

Zoom Event: Organizing Adults: An Essential Element of School Redesign – Mar 26

hillarya — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:42:09 +0000

The fourth and final virtual Innovations in School Redesign seminar, sponsored by the Everyone Graduates Center in collaboration with the GRAD Partnership, features practitioners sharing groundbreaking work around a final essential driver of successful school redesign as identified by the Cross-State High School Redesign Consortium: organizing adults in the school community. This follows on prior seminars which highlighted keeping student perspectives at the center; building capacity in teaching and learning; and redesigning supports for multiple postsecondary pathways.

Join us as innovators from the following organizations share their work as a springboard for discussion and participant engagement:

Sendero Prep Charter School, Las Cruces, NM
Gwinnett County Schools, Gwinnett County, GA

Date and Time: March 26, 2026, 2:00 – 3:15 PM

SchoolHouse Connection Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program – Jun 2

hillarya — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 20:41:45 +0000

We provide financial assistance, intensive case management, peer support, and leadership opportunities for students who have experienced homelessness to help them get to and through college, build their career, and create a strong foundation for their future. This program is for students who have experienced homelessness in the last six years and are starting college for the first time in the 2027–2028 academic year at a four-year college or university, community college, or trade school. It also includes, high school juniors, high school seniors planning to take a gap year, and students earning a GED who plan to start college in 2027–2028. Our program begins working with students one year before they start college to provide intensive college readiness support.

Deadline to apply is June 2, 2026.

Learn more.

Volunteers Needed: I AM PHL Student Summit – May 2

hillarya — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 20:34:09 +0000

We are thrilled to invite you to volunteer at this year’s I AM PHL Student Summit on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Thomas Jefferson University – East Falls Campus! As we celebrate Philadelphia’s 250th anniversary, this event is all about empowering students to use their voices and creativity to make an impact.

Volunteer shifts from10:00am to 4:00pm; Event runs 11:00am to 3:00pm. Please RSVP by April 1st by filling out our quick volunteer intake form HERE. Keep an eye out for a calendar invite for a quick virtual logistics check-in the week of the event.

Webinar: Youth In Care Transitioning to College – Financial and Transition Support – Mar 26

hillarya — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:42:27 +0000

The School District of Philadelphia found that 40% of seniors from the class of 2024 who intended to enroll in college did not actually show up on campus in the fall. This highlights the difficulties that Philly students face in the transition period between high school and college. Young people in foster care are especially vulnerable to summer melt.

Join us for an important webinar on how youth in foster care can get post-secondary education tuition-free and how you can support them during the critical transition period between high school and college. This event is great for youth in care (grades 9^th – 12^th), resource parents, and anyone who supports or works with foster youth.

Information will be provided on college entitlements including the PA Tuition Waiver (FosterED) and the Chafee grant as well as what challenges students and adults face and what supports are available before youth enter college and while they are enrolled to help them be successful on their educational journeys.

Date and Time: Thursday, March 26, 11 AM – 12 PM; 12 to 12:30 PM, optional Q & A

Informational flyer.