Step Up to College Guide

Published annually by Philadelphia Futures, Step Up to College and Careers: Philadelphia’s Guide to the College Preparation, Application, Admissions & Financial Aid Processes is the #1 resource for Philadelphia's college-bound students and their families.

Designed with first-generation-to-college students in mind, Step Up to College provides Philadelphia's high schools students and their families with the tools and resources necessary to navigate the college admissions process, including scholarship information and financial aid resources, college prep programs and initiatives and admissions information from Pennsylvania colleges. This year's Guide highlights the importance of connecting academic credentials to the needs of the workplace.

Every October, 45,000 copies of Step Up to College are distributed to Philadelphia public, parochial and charter high schools, libraries and many other community-based organizations. To eliminate any barriers to access, Step Up to College is distributed without cost.

New this year, Step Up to College is now available on Facebook and Twitter and in cell phone text message updates. By following the instructions below, students, families and educators can connect with Step Up to College to receive important information throughout the year about the college admissions process, financial aid deadlines and scholarship opportunities.

A Sustainable Resource

To reduce our environmental footprint, Step Up to College is printed in Philadelphia with 100 percent wind power using soy-based inks on FSC certified paper. 

Supporters

Step Up to College is published through the generous support of many sponsors. The following institutions and organizations demonstrate their commitment to this important publication and the students it serves:

• Arcadia University
• Comcast
• Community College of Philadelphia 
• Dickinson College
• Drexel University
• Eagles Youth Partnership
• Holy Family University
• Lafayette College
• Penn State University
• Saint Joseph’s University
• Temple University
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of the Sciences
• Villanova University

Show Your Support

Supporting Step Up to College is a meaningful way to partner with Philadelphia Futures and support its effort to provide Philadelphia's high school students with the tools and resources they need to pursue education beyond high school. 

Benefits of Supporting Step Up to College 

• Step Up to College offers funders tremendous outreach opportunities to the Philadelphia community and exposure to a large audience of students and their families.
• College and university supporters are featured in our college profile section and have the opportunity to include an ad and campus photos.

To learn more about supporting Step Up to College, please contact Joan Mazzotti by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone at 215.790.1666, Ext. 418.

Feedback from the Community

Step Up to College is a vital resource for teachers and guidance counselors in Philadelphia’s high schools. Below is a sampling of what people are saying:

"I appreciate Step Up to College! It makes the explanation of the college process much easier to explain!”

"I thoroughly enjoyed this publication. As a first year guidance counselor it has been an invaluable tool as I have assisted my seniors in the college application process. I especially like the workbook section."

"The Guide is well formatted and written. There is enough information without overwhelming the student."