Getting Involved

Philadelphia Futures demonstrates what can be done with the commitment and generosity of the supporters and friends who share our belief in the power of education. We invite you to explore the many ways you can help Sponsor-A-Scholar (SAS) students take their place in the world.

Become a Mentor

Enjoy a baseball game together; share stories about school; be your student's biggest fan. Mentors are the heart of our SAS Program. Philadelphia Futures matches mentors with students in the 9th grade, and asks that they stay together through at least the first critical year of college. Many relationships last a lifetime! Learn more about mentoring.

Sponsor a Student

Create a powerful incentive for a student to stay in high school and prepare for college. Sponsorship funds cover basic college needs such as books, fees and transportation home. The cost to sponsor one student is $7,500, payable over five years. Of that amount, $6,000 is disbursed directly to the student on a semester-by-semester basis. Learn more about sponsorship.

Make a Financial Contribution

The success of our students depends on the support of our funders. Your financial contribution will allow us to offer essential services, including after-school classes, summer academic enrichment programming, individualized college guidance, SAT prep, college trips, and ongoing staff support in high school and through college. If you wish, you can designate your contribution to fund a particular program or activity. Checks should be made payable to Philadelphia Futures, or use our secure web feature.

Philadelphia Futures
230 South Broad Street, 7th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Give Through United Way SEPA

If you give through the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, please remember that you may designate all or part of your gift to Philadelphia Futures: a Union of White-Williams Scholars and Philadelphia Futures, Donor #802. We hope you also will encourage your co-workers and friends to support us!

Give a Celebration Gift

Honor family members and friends or celebrate a special occasion by “purchasing" an item in their honor from our Celebration Gift Catalog. Choose a gift or two from the catalog below and your honoree will receive a special acknowledgement card.

Please make checks payable to Philadelphia Futures or use our secure web feature, Donate Now. Be sure to include contact information for your honoree.

Celebration Gift Catalog

What Your Gift Buys....

$25 one SAT prep book
$50 one month of public transporation tokens for a student
$75 six pizzas for an after-school activity
$100 one set of dorm linens and towels for a first-year college student
$150 one set of books for the monthyl Book Club
$250three issues of the Young Men's Initiative newsletter
$500 scientific calculators for every junior taking the SAT
$750 copies of the Step Up to College guide for 370 students
$1000 White-Williams Scholars Incentive Awards for three students for one year
$2500 instructors for two semesters of after-school classes
$7500 the sponsorship of one Sponsor-A-Scholar student

Philadelphia Futures
230 South Broad Street, 7th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Support Our "Get in the Game" Event

GITG2013
Each spring, the Philadelphia Phillies and hundreds of our loyal friends and supporters Get in the Game! Dozens of area businesses and donors take to the bowling lanes and billiards tables at our annual tournament to benefit the Sponsor-A-Scholar Program.

Competing teams are captained by members of the Phillies and other local celebrities, while guests enjoy silent and live auctions, and the opportunity to mingle with their favorite Phillies.

For event sponsorship information, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone at 215.790.1666 Ext. 420.

Donate to our Wish List

Philadelphia Futures is most grateful for contributions of items and services on our “wish list.” Current items include:

New Computers
School Supplies
Tickets to Sporting and Cultural Events
Classroom, Meeting and Event Space

To make an in-kind contribution, please contact Stephanie Wenger, Director of Donor and Volunteer Services, by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone at 215.790.1666, Ext. 420.

Create a Scholarship or Award Program

Further your efforts to recognize and reward high school students for outstanding achievement. Philadelphia Futures works closely with businesses, foundations, and other organizations to help create and manage scholarship and award programs. Our collaborations include the Eagles Youth Partnership, The Leonore Annenberg School and Scholarship Fund, and Sunoco. To learn more, please contact Stephanie Wenger, Director of Donor and Volunteer Services, by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone at 215.790.1666, Ext. 420.

Provide Summer Jobs and Internships

Many SAS collegians return to Philadelphia over the summer months seeking summer jobs and internships that will provide experience, build their resumes, and help them earn income before the fall semester.

Our SAS high school students also are in need of internships during the academic year. If your company or organization identifies opportunities that would be appropriate for our collegian or high school students, in areas such as business, health care, law, social work, science or education, please contact Stephanie Wenger, Director of Donor and Volunteer Services, by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone at 215.790.1666, Ext. 420.

Become a College Partner

Philadelphia Futures has formed significant relationships with a number of area colleges and universities. We have several groundbreaking partnerships with institutions that provide SAS students with academic and personal support, and financial aid for college. In addition, we rely on a strong network of partners to offer intensive summer, on-campus academic enrichment experiences, and a full range of college exploration activities including campus visits, workshops in college selection, admissions and financial aid; and the opportunity for dual enrollment in college-level courses. Learn more about becoming a college partner.

Recommend a Student

A student’s success in SAS often begins with the teacher or counselor who recognizes that student’s promise and potential. Philadelphia Futures works closely with designated neighborhood high schools in the School District of Philadelphia to identify students, and we are most grateful for the support we receive from the teachers and counselors who routinely nominate eligible students for participation. Learn more about nominating a student.