The nonprofit Philadelphia Futures held a recent pep rally at Northeast High School to officially release its 25th anniversary edition of Step Up to College, a 66-page resource book designed to lead high school students through the college admissions and financial aid processes.
The free book and digital media resources are available to all Philadelphia high school students.
More than 45,000 copies are being distributed to every city high school, library branches and community organizations.
The Oct. 22 event in Northeast’s auditorium was hosted by Channel 6 newsman Rick Williams.
Guest speakers encouraged students, particularly seniors, to be on top of things such as college application deadlines, SAT dates, college visit schedules and recommendation letter processes.
“It’s right around the corner,” said Joaquim Hamilton, director of College Connection, an initiative of Philadelphia Futures.
Ann-Therese Ortiz, director of pre-college programs at Philadelphia Futures, urged students to “maximize” opportunities by using the guide and related resources.
“Do something proactive,” she said.
Kristen Graham, a Philadelphia Inquirer reporter and 1996 Northeast High graduate, wore red and black clothing, her class ring and and her Class 155 pin for the occasion.
Graham, a Temple graduate, agreed with Ortiz that students must not be passive in their college search.
“Make your college dreams come true,” she said.
Lori Shorr, the city’s chief education officer, explained that only about 23 percent of Philadelphians have degrees from two- or four-year colleges. She wants the Northeast students to help boost that figure.
“The whole city is counting on you,” she said.
The Northeast High staff joined in on the celebration, wearing clothing for Rutgers, St. Joseph’s, Penn State and other alma maters.
“Keep your eye on the prize,” said principal Sharon McCloskey, who has degrees from Holy Family and Lehigh.
Senior Brandon Marcelis, who is eyeing a small liberal arts school, told his fellow students that the guide offers a series of stepping stones on the path to college.
“You can help yourself,” he said.
Additional information is available at www.stepuptocollege.org, on the Step Up to College page on Facebook and on Twitter at StepUptoCollege. For text alerts, sign up by texting StepUptoCollege to 41411. ••
