Drexel Launches Multi-Million Dollar Scholarship Program for Philadelphia Students

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Jan 28, 2010, 11:21 ET

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Drexel University will provide full-tuition and fees scholarships to 250 academically-talented Philadelphia high school students with significant financial need, over the next five years as part of a citywide initiative to increase the number of college-educated Philadelphians.

The $28 multi-million scholarship program is in-step with Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter's call for area colleges and universities to offer more scholarships to the city's students. Nutter has called on area universities to add 1,000 new scholarships for city students.

"Providing more Philadelphians with the opportunity to go to college is a priority for my Administration and is something that is central to our future success and prosperity," Nutter said. "City government is doing its part, creating a dedicated PhillyGoes2College office in City Hall and increasing the amount of financial aid coming to Philadelphia by almost $200 million last year. But there is much more to do and that's why I am so proud that Drexel has stepped up in a big way by creating the Liberty Scholars program, an opportunity for 250 students from Philadelphia schools to go to Drexel over the next five years."

"This is a big boost to our efforts and I want to thank Drexel for its unwavering commitment to Philadelphia," he said.

The new program, called Drexel Liberty Scholars, will provide 50 scholarships per year, over the next five years and be available to students attending public, private, parochial, charter and prep schools within the city limits.

"This program demonstrates our 119-year commitment to increasing the accessibility of top-ranked higher education to Philadelphia youth," Drexel President C.R. "Chuck" Pennoni said.

"The Drexel Liberty Scholars program will provide new opportunities to outstanding Philadelphia students who would not normally be able to afford a college education," said Joan T. McDonald, senior vice president of enrollment management.

As part of the scholarship's applications process, high school students will submit an essay describing what programs they would implement to improve Philadelphia, if they were mayor in 2030.

For more information, visit http://www.drexel.edu/financialaid/libertyscholars/.

SOURCE Drexel University