It’s in our name: Heights drives higher rates of high school graduation, college graduation, and employment. Our team has helped thousands of Philadelphia students reach their goals — and we’re just getting started.
100%
100%
88%
Statistics reflect cohorted students among Philadelphia Futures and Steppingstone Scholars. “Internships” include field work, research, clinical rotations, and other career-related experiential learning activities.
Source: The Pell Institute and PennAHEAD (2018), Historical Trends Report — Indicators of Higher Education Equity in the United States
75%
of Heights high school students matriculate to college immediately after high school
70%
of Heights college students return to college after their first year
71%
of Heights college students successfully graduate in five years
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, we’ve helped students unlock new opportunities via stipends, scholarships, and financial support.
Over $750,000 direct aid distributed to Heights students in '21-'22 academic year
Collegians were awarded a total of $7.58M in institutional aid in '21-'22 academic year
In the summer of 2022, 439 Heights students received $424,870 in stipends from Philadelphia Youth Network
Lisber Guillon Minier
Harvard University (anticipated May 2025)
“I am most excited to see our community grow. I’ve met people from both (Philadelphia Futures and Steppingstone Scholars) programs with vastly different experiences, both conventional and unconventional. I am excited to have that diverse pool of wisdom in one place.”
Chris Felix
Northeast High School '14 | Lafayette College '18 | Regional Marketing Manager, Lincoln Financial Group
After joining Heights in eighth grade, Chris graduated from Northeast High School, then earned his bachelor’s degree at Lafayette College. There, he drew on his connections from the Heights network to secure an internship with his current employer, Lincoln Financial Group. As a regional marketing manager, he now showcases the strong work ethic he honed at Heights by meeting with leadership, building new connections, and transitioning departments.
“It’s absolutely critical to have organizations like [Heights] because at 14 or 15, I can’t imagine any student knows exactly what to do to get to college. [Heights] did more than that for me: It taught me to not just accept good, but to go after great.”
Nancy Li
Central High School '23
Currently a senior at Central High School, Nancy has participated in Heights’ dual enrollment program since 2021. Last year, she took a course with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
“I am grateful to [Heights] because it gave me, and students like me, the opportunity to experience college-level classes and resources during high school.”
Terrick Whitters
Albright College (anticipated May 2023)
As part of the pilot launch of the Inveniam Equity Internship program for Black and Brown college students in underrepresented studies, Terrick discovered his passion for wealth management. This past summer, he returned to intern at Hirtle Callaghan & Co., and is currently in his fourth year at Albright College majoring in business administration with a concentration in finance.
“Many people are from similar backgrounds, so we’re able to connect and realize the similarities we have.”
Graduating high school. Becoming their family’s first college graduate. Kicking off their professional careers. By partnering with Heights, you help bring students’ goals to life.