Raising the bar for student empowerment
ABOUT US: OUR ROLE
We are committed to transforming the pathways to college and career for Philadelphia’s students. That’s why Heights has merged the resources of Philadelphia Futures and Steppingstone Scholars to become the most dynamic educational nonprofit in Philadelphia.
Together, we’re able to accomplish more for students: More holistic support from coordinators and advisors. More sustainable access to academic and workforce opportunities for Black, Brown, and first-generation students. And more advising relationships with students spanning from middle school into their professional careers.
$12.5M
75+
3,300+
Founded in 1989, Philadelphia Futures provided low-income, first-generation students with the tools, resources, and opportunities to enter and succeed in college. In 2011, it merged with White-Williams Scholars, an educational organization supporting Philadelphia students since 1800.
Founded in 1999, Steppingstone Scholars leveraged high-impact partnerships with schools and colleges to enable underserved Philadelphia students to enter college and the workforce.
In late 2022, these organizations joined forces as Heights Philadelphia ⎯ Philly’s preeminent educational nonprofit, providing students proven pathways to classroom, college, and career success.
Heights is committed to expanding, deepening, and sustaining our support for students across high school, college, and their careers. We’ve set the following goals to guide our efforts:
Economic mobility: Philadelphia's young people are able to pursue and complete a preferred postsecondary opportunity that establishes them in a position with career growth potential and an annual income of at least 125% of the living wage ($57,954).
College success: Students will graduate with an associate's degree within three years, with less than $12,000 in debt, or a bachelor's degree within six years, with less than $27,000 in debt.
Workforce success: Students will secure a full-time job with career growth potential and an annual income of at least 125% of the living wage ($57,954) within one year of high school or post-secondary graduation.
Institutions, universities, companies, and local schools: Heights is partnering with organizations across Philly to get the resources students need in the classroom, workforce, and world.
Run by celebrated leaders from Philadelphia Futures and Steppingstone Scholars, Heights is committed to a shared belief in the potential of all Philly students.
Your help directly impacts students who are ready to achieve more. Join our efforts to empower them today.