This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.
by Isaac Riddle
Applying to college can be a frustrating process for high school students, especially when many schools, like those in the School District of Philadelphia, are without a full-time guidance counselor.
But Philadelphia Futures is hoping to help fill the gap with the release of its 24th annual edition of the Step Up to College: Guide to the College Preparation, Application, Admissions and Financial Aid Processes.
The 43-page book is designed for Philadelphia high school students and includes detailed instructions on the college and financial aid application process, deadlines for admissions, financial aid, and scholarships. There’s also a pull-out workbook with interactive activities and checklists intended to help students plan for college as early as their freshman year in high school.
“At a time when our high schools are struggling to provide first-generation-to-college students with the guidance that is needed to successfully be admitted to college, our Step Up to College Guide offers a comprehensive resource,” said Philadelphia Futures executive director Joan Mazzotti in a statement.
“This year, as we confront the challenges in our schools, we all need to do more. We are hopeful we will get copies of the guide in the hands of every high school student and their families,” she said.
Philadelphia Futures distributes more than 40,000 copies of the guide free of charge to all public, public charter and parochial high schools in Philadelphia. A PDF version of the guide is available on the Philadelphia Futures website. Students can also access the resource through Facebook and on Twitter.
Isaac Riddle is an intern at the Notebook.