More than a network:
A community.

OUR PROGRAMS: COMMUNITY

Heights is ready to move all Philadelphians towards college and career success with open community programs that go beyond student tools and resources. We’re helping families and communities come together to build a brighter future for Philadelphia with supportive programming that expands opportunity and pathways for all, not some. 

Families

Families and other caring adults are central to our network of support for youth. We appreciate all the work you are doing, every day, to support the economic mobility of the young people in your households. If you are a family member interested in updates on city-wide virtual seminars or other Heights resources, sign up here

Step Up to College

The Step Up to College Guide and its accompanying resources (including the Summer Supplement and digital tools) are proven college-going materials for high school students, families, and youth-serving professionals. Together, they serve as a comprehensive collection of college information and resources, with guidance on writing college essays, navigating the FAFSA, and determining the right college “fit.”

Community-Based Organizations

The University of Pennsylvania, in partnership with Heights Philadelphia, has developed a new in-person classroom course, called College App Classroom, that seeks to empower all students with the information they need to build confidence in college admissions and financial aid. If you are a youth-serving community-based organization interested in learning more about this resource, sign up hereThe course is an in-person expansion of Heights’ and Penn Admissions’ free online version of Applying to College 101, which has served nearly 10,000 students worldwide since its launch in 2023. Both the online and in-person courses combine the expertise of Penn’s Admissions Office with Heights’ extensive knowledge of college and career pathways. 

How we're helping Philadelphians succeed

35,000

Step Up to College Guides to be distributed free across Philadelphia

$94,000

in sponsorships to support the production, printing, and distribution of the Step Up to College

10,000

participants have accessed Heights’ “Applying to College 101” course

Programming for Heights students

High school

Receive college and career preparation embedded in Philadelphia high schools, including enrichment, summer programs, and 1:1 advising.

College

Gain a college advisor and connections to greater resources — including career opportunities, stipends, and scholarships — at over 70 distinct institutions across the country.

Careers

Launch a life-sustaining career with a solid path to employment in a variety of industries, plus internships, mentoring, and other job opportunities.

Let’s bring a brighter future to life

Join Heights and see how far Philadelphia students can go.