Higher education remains financially out of reach for many, including high potential students from disadvantaged backgrounds in Philadelphia. Recent data indicates that only 10 percent of School District of Philadelphia graduates go on to attain a college degree. Removing financial barriers is the first step for talented, disadvantaged students to gain access to a college degree.
To make this first step possible, Drexel University introduced the Liberty Scholars Program which will provide full tuition for 50 high-potential students living within the City of Philadelphia.
In the last five academic years, 14 students from West Catholic Prep have enrolled at Drexel. Of that group, eight were part of the Liberty Scholars program, which provided awards covering 100 percent of tuition and fees. Though not assisted at that level, the remaining six students received substantial financial aid through Drexel. All told, Drexel has given more than $1 million in financial aid to the 14 West Catholic Prep graduates.
Continuing the partnership, as of January 8, seven West Catholic Prep seniors have been offered admission to Drexel University!