b'A letter from ourCo-Presidents Dear Friends, Introducing Heights Philadelphia! This past year was a monumental one. We merged two of Philadelphias strongest educational nonprofits - Heights is here forPhiladelphia Futures and Steppingstone Scholars - and became Heights. you, with you, andDuring our first year as Heights, we served more than 3,000 students because of you.from middle school to college with staff embedded in 23 schools across the School District of Philadelphia. At our first Graduation Celebration in Sara Woods and Sean Vereen,June at Citizens Bank Park, more than 500 students from close to 100 Graduation Celebration 2023 schools were recognized for taking the next step from 8th grade, 12th grade, and college. We celebrated student achievements in school and on to the workforce.This past year also presented opportunities and challenges. We responded swiftly to the affirmative action ruling with a very clear Vision message to our students: You matter, and you belong in institutions of higher education because of who you are, not in spite of. We are All Philadelphia studentsworking with our institutional partners to create a more equitable graduate high school andadmissions process that is better for Heights students, which will achieve economic mobilitymake a process that is better for all students.through college and workforce success. Throughout all of this, one thing is clear - our students and their communities matter, and they deserve a future driven by their achievements and hard work. Heights is here to support youngpeople every step of the way and help guide them in one directionGoals - forward and up. Increase high schoolThis report encompasses the transformative impact of Heightspersistence andprogramming and features stories of those at the core of our work, graduation for Philadelphiastudents and alumni. We also highlight partners who have been critical district students. to our success, including Eagles Jason Kelce, corporate partnerslike Comcast and Hirtle Callaghan, and partners supporting ourcareer pathways, including the Wistar Institute and the BlackIncrease the number of Philadelphia districtDoctors Consortium. students earning college degrees and otherThank you for believing in a future powered by young people, and for postsecondary credentials. supporting us as we became Heights Philadelphia. Increase pathways to, Sincerely, and preparation for, life- Sara and Sean sustaining careers for our population.'