►
From YouTube: Committee on Education 4-30-2018
Description
The Committee on Education of the Council of the City of Philadelphia held a Public Hearing on Monday, April 30, 2018 to hear testimony on the following items:
171025 Resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings regarding Campus Philly and their efforts towards fueling the economic growth in Philadelphia and their efforts towards increasing the retention rates of college students.
180050 Resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings regarding Graduate! Philadelphia, a non-profit that supports adults who have some college credit and no degree to go back to school to get their diploma. The adults who return back to school to start or finish their college education have come to be known as "Comebackers".
Committee on Education
Chair: Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell (3rd District)
Vice Chair: Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown (At Large)
A
Thank
you
and
one:
eight
zero,
zero
five,
zero
councilman
taco
burger,
introduce
these
resolutions
is
joining
me
and
we're
going
to
start
and
we're
very,
very
happy
to
be
here,
because
these
are
issues
we
need
to
talk
about
as
much
as
we
can,
considering
that
it's
campus
Philly
and
graduate
Philadelphia,
so
we're
very,
very
happy
to
have
them
come
and
have
them
testify.
We'll
ask
the
clerk
to
read
the
title
of
both
resolutions.
A
B
Right,
17,
1
0
to
5
resolution
authorizing
the
Committee
on
education
to
hold
hearings
regarding
campus
Philly
and
their
efforts
towards
fueling
the
economic
growth
in
Philadelphia
and
their
efforts
towards
increasing
the
retention
rates
of
college
students
and
1800
5
0
resolution
authorizing
the
comedian
education
to
hold
hearings
regarding
Graduate
Philadelphia,
a
nonprofit
that
supports
adults
who
have
some
college
credit
and
no
degree
to
go
back
to
school
to
get
their
diplomas.
The
adults
who
return
back
to
school
to
start
or
finish
their
college.
Education
have
come
to
be
known
as
comeback
errs.
A
C
Chair,
thank
you
very
much.
I
want
to
thank
everyone
that
is
here
today.
I
definitely
want
to
thank
Councilwoman
Blackwell
for
her
leadership
on
this
issue,
because
I
know
we've
worked
together
on
a
number
of
things
in
education,
and
that
is
greatly
appreciated
from
this
council,
but
I
also
want
to
pre.
Thank
you
very
much
because
I
appreciate
your
your
time
and
your
busy
schedule
to
share
your
thoughts
on
what
we
ought
to
be
doing,
because
this
is
important
work
being
able
to
retain
college
students
who
to
come
here.
C
I
mean
we
have
done
it
pretty.
Well,
a
couple
of
our
political
leaders,
elected
officials,
have
come
from
other
places.
Former
mayor
and
former
governor
ed
Rendell
from
New
York
City
went
the
University
of
Pennsylvania
and
state
a
United
States
Senator
Arlen
Specter
came
from
Kansas
to
the
University
of
Pennsylvania
and
stayed
and
there
just
a
couple
stories.
C
D
One
eight
zero,
zero
five
Oh
regarding
their
efforts
as
a
nonprofit
that
supports
adults
who
have
some
college
credit,
and/or,
no
degree
to
go
back
to
school,
to
get
their
diploma
and
for
adults
who
return
back
to
college
to
start
or
finish
their
college
education
and
become
known
as
comeback
errs.
The
Department
of
Commerce
provides
significant
funding
for
campus
Philly
and
Graduate
Philadelphia
annually.
D
This
support
is
a
testament
to
the
commitment
the
city
has
to
these
organizations
that
are
direct
anecdotes
and
pipelines
towards
the
economic
health
and
the
development
of
our
City
campus
Philly
has
provided
high
quality,
innovative
and
effective
activities
for
college
students
for
the
past
fourteen
years.
The
progressive
success
of
their
activities
have
impacted
the
experience
of
college
students
new
to
Philadelphia
and
those
native
to
Philadelphia
alike.
D
The
goals
campus
Philly
sets
annually
as
an
organization
includes
engaging
and
partnering
with
our
college
and
universities,
corporate
partners
and,
most
importantly,
the
communities
in
Philadelphia
these
partnerships
and
their
steadfast,
relentless
focus
on
the
college.
Experience
for
our
young
people
is
the
reason
why
their
organization
has
thrived
and
continues
to
add
talent
to
our
region
annually.
D
These
two
statistics
alone,
among
the
many
recorded,
is
why
the
Department
of
Commerce
is
invested
in
their
success
and
continued
presence
in
a
time
when
the
economic,
health
and
welfare
of
our
business
community
is
as
important
as
the
ability
to
have
a
talent
pool
to
source
from
campus.
Philly
has
provided
a
way
for
students
who
are
educated
here.
They
thrive
and
grow
in
Philadelphia.
D
This
serves
Philadelphia
well
as
a
whole
and
makes
the
business
community
confident
in
what
Philadelphia
can
offer
in
the
from
a
prepared,
college-educated,
talent,
Deborah
diamond
and
her
team
of
staff
are
incredibly
sharp,
thorough
and
in
tune
with
the
needs
of
college
students.
They
also
have
the
added
credibility
to
attract
and
retain
their
40
corporate
partners
and
34
college
and
university
partners,
while
continuously
utilizing
analytics
and
assessments
of
their
events,
to
continue
the
positive
impact
they
have
had
to
date.
D
Finally,
campus
Philly
as
an
entity
has
gained
recognition
across
the
states
and
their
formula
for
success
with
college
students
is
being
sought
after
by
other
cities
that
want
the
same
measurable
results.
Graduate
Philadelphia
is
an
organization
that
is
mission
focused
on
helping
adults
who
have
some
college
credit
and
no
degree
they
call
them.
Comeback.
Errs
go
back
to
school
to
achieve
success,
academically
financially
and
professionally
by
providing
expert
support,
counseling
and
resources.
D
The
most
impressive
and
consistent
feature
of
Graduate
is
that
they
meet
their
the
participant
where
they
are
and
look
at
the
individual
in
a
holistic
manner
from
a
strengths-based
perspective,
but
it
involves
advising
our
residents
on
how
they
can
get
back
into
school
and
finish
their
college.
Education
graduate
has
a
long
and
successful
track
record
that
spans
back
to
2008
when
advising
services
for
come.
D
Graduate
has
also
been
very
focused
on
the
workforce
and
economic
development
approach
for
residents
that
are
criminal,
justice
involved
and
veterans,
as
relates
to
ensuring
they
have
the
opportunity,
skills
and
education
that
will
match
their
abilities,
interests
and
preparation
with
those
that
business
communities
are
in
need
of.
At
the
same
time,
they
work
efficiently
to
provide
the
best
path
and
options
to
ensure
that
a
two-year
or
four-year
degree
is
obtained
with
the
least
amount
of
debt.
D
Graduate
Philadelphia
is
a
cohesive
organization
led
by
Barbara
mentleman
sets
clear
goals,
partnerships
and
objectives
that
have
put
them
ahead
in
terms
of
working
with
the
dots
they
are
present
in
all
four.
The
PA
CareerLink
centers
conduct
monthly,
go
to
adult
college
fairs
and
to
large
annual
resource
fairs,
provide
a
quarterly
informative
newsletter
and
engage
in
multiple
community
based
events
monthly
to
reach
our
residents
from
all
walks
of
life.
D
They
also
work
closely
with
the
faith-based
community
to
extend
their
reach
to
the
over
80,000
philadelphians,
who
have
some
credit
and
no
degree
in
addition
to
the
systematic
efforts
around
engaging
with
employers
and
providing
college
reengagement
and
degree
completion,
support
to
city
residents
and
employees.
The
direct
services
provided
to
come
backer
z'
is
one
of
the
most
notable
qualities
of
graduate
philadelphia
in
calendar
year
2017.
D
Their
outreach
activities
included
11
graduate
philadelphia,
adult
college
fairs,
13
graduate
philadelphia
workshops
for
comebacker
x',
14,
Community
fairs,
60,
CareerLink,
Center
presentations
and
54
presentations
and
workshops
in
total
15,000
912
adults
receive
information
from
graduate
philadelphia
services.
At
these
events,
which
resulted
in
2190
individual
conversations
and
over
1,000
adults
registered
with
the
organization
in
2017
alone,
there
were
thirteen
hundred
and
seventy
nine
comebacker
x'
enrolled
in
college
508,
actually
enrolled
at
2017
and
515
comebacker
x'
in
the
pre
enrolled
stage.
Also
212
comebacker
x'
received
college
degrees.
D
A
B
Thank
you
to
chairwoman,
Blackwell
councilman,
talbin,
burger
for
sponsoring
this
hearing
and
to
other
members
of
the
education
committee
and
city
council
for
your
time
and
attention,
and
thanks
to
two
Heloise
jettison
in
the
support
of
the
commerce
department
of
the
city
of
philadelphia.
My
name
is
Deborah
diamond
and
I'm.
B
The
president
of
campus
Philly
I'm
pleased
to
have
this
opportunity
to
tell
you
about
campus
Philly's
mission,
our
service
to
students
and
our
impact
campus
Philly
was
founded
in
2004
as
an
independent
nonprofit
after
a
number
of
years,
as
an
initiative
that
produced
an
annual
City
welcome
to
cut
two
college
students
called
college,
fest
I've
led
the
organization
since
2010.
Our
mission
is
to
help
college
students
in
the
region
fall
in
love
with
Philadelphia
and
launch
their
lives
and
careers.
B
Here
after
they
graduate,
we
serve
more
than
27,000
students
annually
in
programs
that
bring
them
to
our
arts
and
culture
programs,
our
neighborhoods
and
our
employers
for
internships
and
jobs.
Campus
Philly
operates
through
partnerships
with
the
city,
colleges
and
universities,
employers
and
cultural
and
civic
organizations.
You'll
be
hearing
from
each
of
these
constituencies.
B
They
see
the
vibrancy
cultural
opportunities,
diversity
and
employment
opportunities,
the
city
offers,
and
they
want
their
students
to
share
in
that
we
are
the
vehicle
for
making
that
happen.
For
our
34
elgyn
university
partners,
we
function
as
the
off-campus
student
activities
and
Career
Service
office
for
the
entire
city
of
Philadelphia.
When
I
arrived
at
campus
Philly,
there
were
15
of
these
partners
that
there
are
now
34
college
and
universities
participating
is
testament
to
the
fact
that
Philadelphia
is
the
place.
Young
people
want
to
be,
and
campus
Philly
makes
that
happen.
B
Our
programs
focus
in
three
areas:
exploring
Philadelphia
developing
students
as
leaders
and
providing
access
to
internships
and
jobs
in
each
of
these
three
areas.
We
see
strong
and
growing
participation
by
students
from
the
city
and
the
suburbs
college
fest.
Our
annual
welcome
event
for
region
for
the
region's
college.
B
Students
sees
more
than
5,000
student
attendees
and
includes
14,
free
museums
and
free
flash
transportation,
the
first
Saturday
of
late
after
Labor
Day
each
year,
open
arts
provides
free
access
to
arts
and
culture
and
includes
5511
student
members
and
close
to
1,000
attendees
at
our
annual
College
night
events.
Our
annual
Student
Leadership
Conference
conference
in
collaboration
with
Temple
University,
saw
359
students
this
past
year
for
a
day-long
conference
with
workshops
to
hone
their
leadership
skills
and
learn
about
off-campus
leadership
opportunity.
B
Our
student
leaders
Network,
includes
441
students
from
34
schools
who
volunteer
and
learn
about
the
name
and
learn
about
neighborhood
engagement
opportunities.
Our
internship
and
jobs
program
include
five
to
six
in-person
events
for
students,
employers
and
young
professionals,
and
they
see
close
to
2,000
participants
each
year.
Finally,
our
free
online
job,
an
internship
platform,
includes
close
to
5,000
student
users
and
features
around
1,000
internship
and
job
opportunities
at
any
given
time.
Our
guiding
principle
in
creating
these
programs
is
what
generates
attachment
to
Philadelphia
and
a
path
to
opportunity.
B
Our
research
shows
that
we've
been
effective
in
creating
both
for
students.
One
third
of
the
students
we
serve
are
first-generation
students,
those
who
often
lack
the
networks
and
connections
that
students
need
to
thrive
professionally.
We
create
those
connections
and
networks
for
these
students
through
our
in-person
networking
events
with
employers,
our
on-campus
workshops
to
hone
networking
and
soft
skills
and
even
headshot
services
to
make
sure
that
every
student
can
present
him
or
herself
professionally
on
LinkedIn
and
other
sites.
B
At
no
cost,
employers
say
that
they
value
work,
experience
even
more
than
a
high
grade
point
average,
or
a
specific
major
when
they're
looking
for
employees,
campus
Philly's
focus
on
internships
includes
4895
students
who
use
our
online
platform
to
find
internships
and
approximately
1,000
internships
posted
at
any.
Given
time
about
fifteen
percent
of
students
and
employers
match
for
an
internship.
Through
our
platform,
the
service
is
free
for
both
employers
and
students,
and
more
than
60
percent
of
the
opportunities
on
the
path
on
the
platform
are
paid.
B
Our
research
shows
that
64%
of
college
students
stay
in
the
region
after
they
graduate
much
higher
than
the
42%
of
students
nationally
who
stay
in
their
college
town,
non-native
college
students,
those
who
came
from
outside
the
region
now
stay
in
much
greater
numbers
from
29%
in
2004
to
51%
in
2014
philadelphians
between
the
ages
of
25
to
34,
holding
college
degrees
have
gone
up,
98%
between
2005
and
2016,
making
Philadelphia
a
better
educated
city.
We
are
committed
to
ensuring
that
Philadelphia's
growth
and
population
and
prosperity
continues
in
an
equitable
and
inclusive
way.
B
Our
partners
range
from
four-year
private
schools
to
the
region's
community
colleges.
Our
programs
are
one
of
the
few
places
that
students
from
all
types
of
institutions
meet
and
connect.
Our
goal
is
to
ensure
that
every
student
from
Philadelphia
or
new
to
Philadelphia,
living
at
home
or
living
on
campus
first-generation
or
not
has
access
to
enrichment,
off-campus,
employer
networks
and
job
opportunity.
We
look
forward
to
working
with
each
of
you
to
meet
our
goal
and
serve
the
students
of
our
city
thanks
very
much.
E
Afternoon
I
think
you
know
by
now
my
name
is
Farber,
madam
and
I'm,
the
executive
director
of
Graduate
Philadelphia.
Thank
you
so
much
to
Councilwoman
and
education,
chair,
Blackwell
and
Councilman
al
taubenberger
for
introducing
a
resolution
and
city
council
today
recognizing
the
work
of
graduate
Philadelphia,
I'm
so
happy
to
be
here
to
tell
you
about
our
services.
I
also
want
to
thank
Heloise
jettison
from
the
city's
Commerce
Department
who's,
an
amazing
support
to
us
and
congratulate
Deborah
diamond
and
her
team
from
campus
Philly.
E
Who
also
is
one
of
our
partners,
so
we're
all
really
happy
to
be
here.
Graduate
Philadelphia
is
an
organization
that
works
with
comebacker
's
adults,
who
have
some
college
credit
who
want
to
complete
their
degree
in
Philadelphia.
There
are
80,000
adults
in
this
position
and
our
goal
is
to
help
anyone
who
wants
to
get
their
diploma
since
we
started
offering
advising
services
in
2008
graduate
Philadelphia's
helped
over
7,600
adults
return
to
college
with
twelve
hundred
and
eighty-three
degrees
conferred.
E
78
percent
of
the
comeback
errs
we
serve
are
african-american
and
74
percent
are
female,
83
percent
are
ages,
19
to
55
and
80
percent
earned
less
than
$42,000
I
want
to
emphasize
that
80
percent
earned
less
than
$42,000
45
percent
or
in
less
than
$24,000.
Our
comeback
errs
are
amazing,
they're
motivated
to
return
to
complete
their
degree,
but
they
need
some
preparatory
work
in
order
to
be
successful
and
supports
to
make
sure
they
stay
in
school
and
complete
their
degree.
E
Our
free
one-on-one
advising
services
are
provided
to
students
from
their
first
inquiry,
all
the
way
through
degree
completion.
We
lead
a
consortium
of
nine
regional
colleges
with
proven
success
in
their
adult
focused
programming
such
as
online
learning,
accelerated
classes,
acceptance
of
prior
credits
and
knowledge.
These
College
part
these
colleges
partner
in
providing
services
and
tracking
outcome
data.
E
We
are
the
only
organization
in
the
region
that
solely
focuses
on
comeback,
errs
graduate
Philadelphia's
changed
the
public
framing
of
adults,
completing
college
from
a
narrative
of
personal
failure
to
one
of
talent,
potential,
helping
adults,
complete
college
and
relatedly.
A
new
focus
on
college
retention
and
completion
for
traditional
college
students
is
now
on
economic
development
agendas
throughout
the
region,
and
this
is
certainly
the
case
in
Philadelphia.
E
According
to
the
Lumina
Foundation
study
by
2020,
two-thirds
of
all
jobs
will
require
a
college
credential
helping
an
adult
complete,
a
two
or
four-year
college
degree
allows
them
to
find
a
better
job
in
good
and
bad
economic
times,
and
a
major
risk
for
dropping
out
of
high
school
is
not
having
an
adult
in
the
home
with
a
college
degree.
Therefore,
every
adult
that
we
help
complete
a
college
complete
college
helps
the
young
people
in
their
lives
complete
high
school
and
college.
E
So,
as
you
can
see,
although
we
help
adults
complete
college,
our
work
is
really
about
helping
families.
Adults,
who
have
a
college
degree,
are
happier
healthier,
pay
more
taxes,
commit
less
crime
and
require
less
taxpayer
assistance
having
a
degree
directly
correlates
to
employment
in
Philadelphia,
which
has
one
of
the
highest
poverty
rates
in
the
country.
This
issue
is
even
more
important
to
accomplish
our
work.
We
don't
wait
for
comeback,
errs
to
come
to
us.
We
go
into
the
communities
and
find
them
last
year.
E
As
how
Louise
mentioned
we
did
a
hundred
27
presentations
and
workshops,
hosted
11
adult
college
fairs
and
participated
in
14
community
fairs.
In
total,
we
reached
out
to
15,000
912
adults.
Our
monthly
adult
college
fairs
always
include
a
presentation
on
how
to
finance
a
college
degree,
as
well
as
a
presentation
on
career
pathways.
We
know
it's
not
enough
to
just
encourage
adults
to
go
back
to
school.
E
We
need
to
help
them
navigate
their
career
pathway
so
that
when
they
do
reenroll
they're
taking
classes
and
fields
where
they
know
what
jobs
will
be
available
where
they
can
earn
family
sustaining
wages,
graduate
philadelphia
offers
advising
services
at
all
of
the
philadelphia
CareerLink
offices.
For
just
this
reason,
adults
go
to
curling
centers
to
get
help
finding
a
job,
many
of
which
require
college
degree.
E
Graduates
Advisors
can
help
them
figure
out
the
best
academic
program
and
learning
module
to
fit
their
specific
needs,
so
they
can
go
back
to
school
and
then
be
qualified
to
get
a
decent
job.
In
addition,
over
the
past
two
years,
we've
made
a
priority
to
work
with
veterans
who
can
get
their
military
experience
translated
into
college
credit,
bringing
them
closer
to
getting
a
college
degree.
E
We
are
also
focusing
on
supporting
returning
citizens,
many
of
whom
received
college
credit
while
incarcerated
and
want
to
complete
their
degree
when
they
come
home.
Last
fall,
we
created
a
faith-based
advisory
council
comprised
of
the
leadership
of
15
churches
in
the
area.
Together,
we've
been
meeting
to
strategize
on
how
to
reach
out
to
their
congregants,
who
have
some
credit,
no
degree.
This
may,
in
partnership
with
our
advisory
council,
members
will
be
hosting
the
concert
for
comeback
errs.
E
This
gospel
music
extravaganza
will
be
an
afternoon
of
music
and
education
with
the
opportunities
for
comeback
errs
to
talk
to
our
advisors,
as
well
as
our
college
partners
about
how
they
can
go
back
to
school.
Initial
response
to
the
concert
has
been
fantastic
and
we're
already
looking
to
make
this
an
annual
vet.
Additionally
in
the
fall
we'll
be
bringing
our
college
partners
together
with
our
faith-based
partners,
to
see
how
they
can
work
together
for
the
good
of
all
Philadelphians.
E
It's
a
great
honor
for
graduate
Philadelphia
to
be
recognized
for
our
work,
helping
the
thousands
of
comebacker
zko
back
to
school
to
complete
their
degree
special
thanks
to
the
all
the
City
Council
members
who
have
included
our
office
in
their
events
and
have
spread
the
word
about
our
services.
We
value
your
partnership
and
support
and
look
forward
to
working
together
in
the
future
thanks.
So
much.
A
C
Chair,
thank
you.
I
have
a
couple
questions
for
each
of
the
participants
and
miss
jettison
from
the
standpoint
of
the
Department
of
Commerce
and
and
and
as
you
see
it,
what
is
the
one
thing
the
city
of
Philadelphia
could
do
to
help
both
organizations,
because
I
think
what
we've
seen
here
and
that'll
come
up
further
we're
doing
pretty
good
I
mean
and
it's
a
great
program,
but
we
have
to
make
it
better
because
to
say
have
a
sense
of
my
philosophy
to
be
America's
largest
poorest
city
ain't.
Good,
that's
not
the
place!
C
D
D
They
do
a
great
job,
but
there
are
pockets
of
neighborhoods
and
smaller
communities
that
aren't
able
to
access
even
the
CareerLink
centers
to
get
connected
and
some
of
the
other
opportunities,
the
more
we
get
it
out
there
to
again
those
pockets
of
our
city
that
just
don't
hear
the
information
in
creative
ways,
whether
it's
social
media
or
a
very
unique
corridor,
information
or
different
places
to
post
opportunities
and
then
make
that
connection.
I,
think
that
would
just
take
this
to
the
next
level.
Mr.
C
E
E
E
Yeah
well,
we
started
looking
at
the
number
of
returning
citizens
that
get
college
credit
while
incarcerated,
and
we
saw
that
it's
a
great
number,
but
where
did
they
go
when
they
come
home?
So
we
have
connected
with
another
number
of
organizations,
including
the
federal
Department
of
Justice,
and
they
say
that
if
you
are
in
school
they
can
decrease
your
time
on
parole.
So
that's
been
really
important.
It's
right.
A
E
Us
to
connect
with
we
also
have
been
working
with
the
re-entry
coalition
through
the
city
philadelphians,
a
group
of
50
organizations
or
more
throughout
the
city
that
work
with
returning
citizens
to
find
ways
to
connect
with
them.
It
not
so
easy
to
do,
because
what
we're
trying
to
focus
on
now
is
connecting
to
people
while
they
are
incarcerated,
so
they
can
start
making
plans
once
they
get
out.
One
of
the
difficulties
is
that,
when
you're
incarcerated,
if
you're
taking
a
college
class,
you
don't
have
access
to
the
Internet.
E
So
we
want
to
make
sure
that
when
someone
comes
home
that
we
talk
to
them
and
meet
them
where
they
are
where's
their
skill
level,
what
do
they
want
to
do?
What
kind
of
jobs
can
they
get,
because
we
don't
have
band
the
box
in
Philadelphia
you're
not
supposed
to
ask
a
lot
of
these
questions,
but
many
people
do
work
and
we
want
to
make
sure
that
we're
directing
them
towards
career
pathways
where
they
can
get
a
job
and
they
are
completing
their
education
in
a
pathway
that
is
going
to
lead
them
to
something.
C
You
had
mentioned
the
concert,
I
think
it's
a
great
thing
and
you're
working
with
a
faith-based
community,
but
what
what
additional
things
are
you're
doing
with
the
faith-based
community,
because
I
think
it's
an
opportunity
where
a
lot
of
people
are
going
to
particularly
those
that
want
to
change
their
lives.
Well,.
E
That's
absolutely
right,
and
so
we
started
working
with
a
faith-based
community
last
year,
because
we
kept
talking
to
people
about
the
large
numbers
that
go
to
area
churches
and
other
faith-based
centers,
and
we
wanted
to
figure
out
a
way
to
reach
them
to
tell
them
about
our
services.
Our
services
are
free,
we're
not
a
college,
we're
not
a
university,
we're
a
support,
so
we
wanted
to
make
sure
as
Holloway's
put
it
so
nicely.
E
We
want
to
make
sure
that
we're
reaching
people
in
their
community,
so
we
want
to
get
the
word
spread
as
far
as
we
can
so
we're
doing
the
concert
as
a
first
step
to
say
if
you
or
somebody
who's
thinking
about
going
back
to
school
and
others
are
welcome
at
the
concert
as
well.
We've
invited
the
mayor's
office
of
adult
education
to
talk
about
GED
services.
We've
invited
Philly,
goes
to
college,
to
talk
to
people
who
maybe
have
no
college
credit
who
want
to
start
so
we're
saying
come
to
the
concert
have
a
fabulous
time.
E
We
also
know
that
many
of
our
church
partners
work
with
people
who
have
addiction
issues
that
are
in
recovery.
They
work
with
returning
citizens,
so
we
came
up
with
the
idea
of
holding
a
summit
in
the
fall
where
we
are
gonna
bring
our
college
partners
together
with
our
faith-based
partners
to
say
what
can
we
do
for
you?
What
do
you
want
from
us?
One
of
the
issues
that
we're
hearing
a
lot
about
nationally
and
certainly
in
Philadelphia,
is
people
have
food?
Insecurities
many
of
the
faith-based
organizations
have
food
pantries
that
are
open
to
anyone.
E
So
we
want
to
make
sure
that
our
college
partners
know
that
they
can
have
their
students
go
there.
Also,
some
great
things.
Some
of
the
faith-based
partners
have
are
connected
to
daycare
centers,
and
we
want
to
make
sure
you
know
that's
a
big
barrier
for
adults
going
back
to
school,
so
maybe
they
can
connect
through
them.
So
that's
why
we
want
to
bring
them
together
to
do
a
real
partnership
is.
C
E
I
think
that,
just
to
reiterate,
we
look
at
the
Commerce
Department
and
the
path
that
they're
taking
to
leave
this
city
in
terms
of
workforce
development,
because
they're
focusing
on
returning
citizens
our
way
because
they're
focusing
on
career
pathways.
So
our
way
when
they
have
an
event
that
they
do
just
two
weeks
ago
for
a
career
exploration
for
kids
in
middle
and
high
school.
We
were
there
to
talk
to
the
adults,
so
I
think
it's
really
important.
E
When
we
talk
about
workforce
development
that
were,
as
you
know,
we've
added
a
Career
Pathways
workshop
ever
one
of
our
monthly
Pharaohs
to
say
this
is
what
you
should
do
when
you
go
back
to
college,
if
you're
thinking
about
going
in
this
pathway
toward
this
job.
Take
courses
like
this
so
you're
not
taking
classes
that
you
don't
need.
Obviously
you
can
take
classes
you're
interested
in,
but
you
should
work
toward
the
job
that
you
want
to
get
at
the
end.
Thank.
E
C
Time
and
I
have
a
couple
questions
for
you
as
well.
For
me
as
a
city
councilman,
you
know
what
is
really
then
I
think
I
see
the
success.
The
fact
that
you
were
even
here
not
here
in
this
building
but
exists
as
an
organization,
is
of
great
success,
because
I,
don't
believe
many
cities
have
anything
like
this.
You
can
correct
me
if
I'm
wrong
with
that,
but
what
comes
next
for
for
a
campus
Philadelphian.
Let
me
ask
the
rest
of
the
question
at
once.
B
I
think
we
see
a
couple
of
opportunities
one
when
you
look
at
our
core
mission
of
traditional
age
college
students,
the
21
year
olds
that
we
meet
are
really
the
most
mobile
population
in
the
in
the
world.
They
can,
they
can
go
anywhere.
We
see
an
opportunity
with
graduate
students
in
Philadelphia,
more
schools
are
offering
graduate
programs,
those
programs
are
growing
and
that
population
of
graduate
students
they've
often
experienced
other
cities
they're
older.
B
They're
welcome
at
all
of
our
events,
but
I
think
the
character
of
what
we
presented
graduate
students
would
be
a
little
bit
different
than
undergraduate,
so
I
see,
there's,
there's
an
opportunity
there
and
in
in
those
areas
as
well.
The
graduate
programs
that
are
developing
in
our
region
are
often
more
closely
tied
to
industry
needs
of
our
region.
So
from
an
undergraduate
perspective,
you
know
you
could
major
in
anything
and
then
go
anywhere
in
the
world
where
that
background
is
required.
B
C
Higher
education
leaders
does
campus
Philly
distinguish.
Philadelphia
has
a
college
town
from
other
cities
with
a
lot
of
colleges
and
universities,
and,
if
so,
in
what
ways
and
I
guess
one
of
the
big
rivals
we
have,
although
I
believe
we
exceed
them,
but
I'm,
not
certain
and
would
be
Boston.
Not
only
were
you
gonna
beat
them
in
basketball.
More
tonight,
well,
I
think
I'd
like
to
beat
them
in
job
retention
as
well.
Yeah.
B
Yeah,
we
have
a
higher
rate
of
college
student
retention
than
Boston
does,
and
there
are
a
variety
of
reasons
for
that
and
actually
Boston,
because
it's
getting
to
be
a
more
expensive
city
to
live
in,
as
well
as
facing
talent
concerns
of
whether
they're
going
to
be
losing
talent
to
other
other
regions
and
other
more
affordable
areas.
I
think
that
Philadelphia
has
the
opportunity
to
distinguish
itself
in
a
couple
of
ways
nationally.
B
You
know
we
are
unusual
in
the
number
of
higher
education
institutions
that
we
have
we're
unusual
in
the
success
that
we've
had
retaining
those
students
and
doubling
the
number
of
young
people
with
college
degrees.
At
the
same
time,
as
has
been
referenced,
we
have
the
highest
poverty
rate
of
any
large
city
in
the
country,
and
so
we
are
at
this
tipping
point
where
we're
seeing
growth.
B
But
we
also
clearly
have
part
of
our
residents
in
our
population
that
needs
that
needs
to
grow
along
with
us,
and
we
have
the
opportunity
to
balance
that
and
grow
in
an
accessible,
inclusive
and
equitable
way
in
Philadelphia,
so
that
people
aren't,
as
as
we
grow
as
a
talent
city,
people
aren't
placed
out
of
neighborhoods
and
housing
and
I
know.
Council
is
focusing
on
all
of
these
issues,
because
we
are
at
that
pivotal
moment
where
our
growth
isn't
yet
threatening
the
sustainability
and
the
sort
of
the
wonderful
elements
of
our
city
and
its
accessibility.
B
B
There'll
be
some
students
who,
who
will
be
testifying
soon.
You
know.
Certainly
we
hear
about
the
campus
bubble
a
lot,
and
we
know
that
there
that
students
are,
you
know,
come
in
many
different
points
of
view
and
orientations,
and
some
are
very
eager
to
get
off
campus
as
soon
as
they
arrive.
Some
it
takes
a
while
they
want
to.
They
want
to
become
comfortable
where
they
are
and
then
explore
and
some
realize
their
senior
year
that
they
better
they
better
look
up.
B
There
right
right,
so
it
comes
at
all
different
stages,
and
what
campus
Philly
tries
to
do
is
to
make
sure
that
no
matter
when
that
happens,
to
a
student
we're
there
to
meet
them
which
isn't
easy
right,
because
they're
coming
in
every
four
years
and
they're
all
at
different,
if
different
points
in
their
readiness
to
explore.
So
we're
on
all
social
media
platforms
that
students
are-
and
we
have
a
great
engagement
director,
who's,
creating
great
content,
a
lot
of
creative
things
that
are
coming
out
of
the
team
and
we
we
do
a
lot
of
conversations.
C
There
a
way
this
is
NASA
this
a
really
personal
question,
because
it
came
from
my
own
expertise
and
it's
my
final
question:
is
there
any
way
for
campus
Philly
to
get
a
list
or
stay
in
contact
with
those
Philadelphians,
but
I
actually
live
in
this?
Their
parents
live
or
they
live
when
they
graduated
from
the
Philadelphia
public
school,
now
they're
going
off
to
UConn
or
they're,
going
off
to
Penn
State
University.
Are
they
going
to
pick
or
you
name
the
college
they're
going,
but
it's
not
in
Philadelphia.
C
B
That
it's
very
interesting
because
when
I
first
came
to
campus
Philly
in
2008
that
didn't
happen
that
often
and
I
you
can
see-
and
you
can
see
it
happening
more
and
more.
That
students
who
are
from
here
and
have
gone
off
to
school
are
now
looking
back
to
come
back
to
Philadelphia
and
so
the
way
we've
seen
the
outrage
is
not
from
local
residents
but
from
the
schools
themselves.
C
Iii
think
it
is
I'm
not
sure
how
you
reach
out,
but
how
you
do
this,
but
somehow
I
think
it's
a
great
opportunity
as
well.
I
recently
toured
the
because
I
have
a
college
aid
student
with
my
son
of
my
wife
at
the
University
of
UConn
and
part
of
the
demonstration
was
there
were
a
young
fellow
from
Philadelphia
was
up
there
for
the
day,
but
he
works
in
Philadelphia
and
he
also
asked
the
University
of
UConn
as
part
of
their
job
development
to
help
him
get
a
job
in
Philadelphia.
C
Well,
they
did
it
and
he
now
works
in
Philadelphia,
but
yet
he
graduated
from
University
of
UConn.
The
the
the
other
thing
is
like
a
personal
experience.
If
I
as
a
student,
when
I
graduated
the
Penn
State
University
in
1975,
if
I
fell
in
love
with
the
town,
I
really
did
I
just
thought
it
was
I
mean
and
up
at
Penn
State
is
entirely
different.
C
You
know
it's
a
good
thing
to
reach
out,
because
there
are
some
people
that
fall
in
love
with
a
place,
but
there's
not
enough
room.
I
mean
interest,
isn't
Penn
State
is
a
small
community
with
the
giant
college
and
the
smack
in
the
middle
and
opportunities
may
be
bigger
now
than
they
were
then,
but
still
we
should
compete
a
little
bit
on
all
fronts
and
bring
these
people
back
because
they
released
a
little
no
they're
welcome.
Maybe
they
may
just
want
to
come
back
ya.
B
Know
we're
seeing
a
great
one
thing
we
can
track
is
on
the
our
internship
platform.
We
ask
what
school
you
attend,
and
so
all
the
schools
that
are
listed
or
the
schools
in
this
area
and
then
there's
just
one
blanket
choice
for
an
out
of
region
school
and
we
have
seen
that
number
grow,
so
keeping
track
of
that
and
probably
using
those
those
students
as
vehicles
for
getting
the
word
out
on
their
own
campuses.
It
would
be
a
good
idea.
Thank.
A
H
H
Right,
thank
you
and
good
afternoon.
Thank
you
to
education
with
committee
chairwoman,
Blackwell
and
Councilman
Tappan
burger
for
sponsoring
this
hearing.
My
name
is
Valerie
Smith
and
I'm.
The
president
of
Swarthmore
College
and
since
September
2017
I've
also
served
as
a
member
of
the
campus
Philly
Board
of
Directors
I'm
delighted
to
have
the
opportunity
to
share
my
perspective
as
the
leader
of
a
college
in
the
Greater
Philadelphia
area,
on
the
value
that
campus
Philly
brings
to
our
community
and
to
our
students.
H
When
campus
Philly
isn't
coming
to
our
campus,
they
help
our
students
explore
off.
Campus
Swarthmore
has
a
lottery
for
students
to
receive
free,
septa
tickets.
Each
week
these
tickets
go
quickly,
but
students
don't
always
know
what
to
do
once
they
get
downtown.
Once
again,
we
turn
to
campus
Philly
for
health
and
received
a
sampling
of
activities
and
itineraries
specifically
for
Swarthmore
students
who
win
the
lottery
septa
tickets.
If
students
first
experiences
exploring
earth
exploring
fluid
elfia
are
positive,
they'll,
return
again
and
again
on
their
own.
H
Finally,
Swarthmore
is
part
of
a
consortium
with
Haverford
and
Bryn
Mawr
colleges.
Our
three
institutions
are
exploring
the
possibility
of
creating
a
semester
experience
for
our
students
in
the
city
of
Philadelphia.
Our
goal
for
this
program
would
be
for
the
city
to
be
the
students,
laboratory,
classroom
and
residents,
allowing
them
to
explore
urban
issues
through
real-world
experiences
and
academic
study.
H
H
As
we
prepare
students
to
make
of
once
in
the
world
and
to
use
their
education
to
change,
the
world,
I
believe
we're
obligated
as
higher
education
leaders
to
connect
them
to
not
isolate
them
from
that
larger
world
campus
Philly
helps
us
do
that
in
ways
that
are
significant
for
our
students
and
for
the
city
as
well.
Thank
you.
I
Council
president
Clark
chairwoman,
Blackwell
councilman,
Talon,
Berger
and
other
distinguished
members
of
City
Council,
my
name
is
Ian
Slayton
and
I'm,
the
vice
president
of
cooperative
education
and
career
development
at
Drexel
University.
This
is
my
pleasure
to
testify
today
regarding
drechsel's
collaboration
with
campus
Philly,
to
extend
opportunities
to
Drexel
students
and
ensure
the
Drexel
is
an
integral
part
of
Philadelphia's,
larger
business
and
economic
ecosystem.
I
As
you
probably
know,
Drexel
is
known
regionally
and
nationally
for
our
cooperative
education
model,
where
students
attend
college
for
a
total
of
five
years.
Integrating
three
six-month
full-time
work
experiences
into
their
undergraduate
education.
Students
also
have
the
opportunity
to
do
a
four-year
program
with
one
six
month:
cooperative
education
experience.
I
These
co-op
experiences
are
managed
through
the
Stine
bright
Career
Development
Center
that
I
oversee
the
center
was
named
for
Drexel
alumnus
Harold
D
Stein
bright,
who
graduated
with
a
degree
in
chemical
engineering
from
Drexel
in
1919
and
built
a
successful
career
at
the
American
Chemical
paint
company
in
Ambler,
Pennsylvania,
Harold,
Stein,
bright
story
from
student
to
local
professional
to
local
philanthropist,
exemplifies
the
value
of
the
Drexel
co-op
to
the
city
of
Philadelphia.
Each
year
over
2700
Drexel
students
work
for
Philadelphia
companies.
I
They
get
paid
to
practice
and
learn
real-world
skills
adding
to
their
education
and
to
the
Philadelphia
workforce.
At
the
same
time,
drexels
philosophy
about
education
aligns
with
campus
Philly's
mission,
and
that
is
one
reason
we
partner
with
campus
Philly
to
find
and
find
the
partnership
so
very
valuable.
I
Drexel
provides
this
guidance
through
our
required
co-op
101
course,
and
individual
career
counseling.
Campus
Philly
provides
this
guidance
during
multiple
career
events
throughout
the
year.
Finally,
Drexel
understands
that
we
can
help
drive
the
Philadelphia
economy
by
linking
higher
education
with
practical
work
experience
each
year.
Forty-Eight
percent
excuse
me
forty,
eight
percent
of
co-op
students
receive
a
job
offer
from
a
former
co-op
employer
upon
graduation
and
last
year,
twenty-seven
hundred
and
twenty
one
or
forty,
eight
percent
of
all
Drexel
co-op
positions
were
based
in
Philadelphia.
I
J
Good
afternoon
and
thank
you,
council
Councilwoman
and
chairwoman
Blackwell
and
Councilman
Cal
burger
for
sponsoring
this
hearing.
My
name
is
Judith.
Gay
and
I
have
the
privilege
of
serving
as
the
vice
president
for
strategic
initiatives
and
chief
of
staff
at
Community.
College
of
Philadelphia
I
offer
this
testimonial
on
behalf
of
dr.
Donald
guy
generals,
president
of
Community,
College
of
Philadelphia
who's
unable
to
be
here
today.
He
also
serves
on
campus
Phillies
board
of
directors.
J
Dr.
generals
is
out
of
the
state
and
that's
the
reason
he's
not
here
before
I
go
on
to
talk
a
little
bit
about
campus
Foley
I
do
want
to
acknowledge
my
colleague
former
metalman
at
graduate
Philadelphia.
They
are
a
very
strong
partner
of
Community
College
of
Philadelphia.
We
get
a
number
of
comeback
errs
coming
to
Community
College
of
Philadelphia,
so
I
do
want
to
recognize
her.
Also,
as
you
know,
as
the
city's
College
and
an
open
admissions
institution,
Community
College
of
Philadelphia
serves
the
most
diverse
student
population
of
any
higher
education
institution
in
the
region.
J
J
Students
take
classes
on
our
main
campus
online
and
at
our
northeast
northwest
and
West
Philadelphia
regional
centers
right
in
their
own
backyards.
Given
the
diverse
backgrounds
needs
and
goals
of
our
student
population,
Community
College
of
Philadelphia
values,
partnerships
that
bring
diverse
experiences
to
our
students.
Campus
Philly
delivers
for
that
on
us
for
us
from
that.
More
than
a
hundred
Community
College
of
Philadelphia
students
participate
in
campus
Philly's,
free
arts
and
culture
program.
Open
arts
and
380
students
have
been
active
this
year
alone
in
campus
Veliz
internship
and
career
events.
J
Participating
in
these
programs
allows
Community
College
of
Philadelphia
to
offer
experiences
to
our
students
that
enhance
what
we
do
as
an
institution.
Dynamic
partnerships
strengthen
learning
opportunities
for
students
and
help
us
prepare
students
to
become
critical
thinkers
and
innovators.
In
addition
to
the
experiences
campus
Philly
provides
to
our
students.
The
organization
has
also
been
a
force
for
transforming
college
going
in
Philadelphia
for
many
years.
Despite
having
such
a
high
concentration
of
higher
education
institutions,
Philadelphia
did
not
have
a
reputation
as
a
higher
education
town.
J
Now
we
are
known
for
our
educational
institutions.
Community
College
of
Philadelphia
is
even
gaining
an
international
presence
when
students
from
India
came
to
visit
Pennsylvania
as
part
of
their
college
tour.
They
made
Community
College
of
Philadelphia
part
of
their
visit
and
campus
Philly
offered
a
powerful
presentation
for
us
and
these
prospective
students
about
what
it
was
like
to
attend.
College
in
Philadelphia
and
in
Pennsylvania.
J
Community
College
of
Philadelphia
is
a
great
equalizer
in
our
city.
Through
our
promise
scholarships,
the
college
is
free
for
many
students
and
for
others,
it's
the
most
affordable
way
to
advance
their
education
and
prepare
themselves
for
an
increasingly
complex
workforce,
because
we
share
in
the
campus
Philly
partnership.
Our
students
experience
the
city
together
with
students
from
around
the
world
who've
come
to
study
in
the
region.
They
attend
open
arts
college
nights
at
the
barns,
with
their
peers
from
Penn,
Temple,
Swarthmore
and
Drexel.
J
J
Our
Community,
College
peers
and
other
cities
see
Philadelphia
as
a
model,
not
just
for
what
we're
doing
at
our
institution,
but
for
the
level
of
collaboration
and
integration
we've
achieved
as
a
city
and
region
from
our
15
dual
admissions
agreements,
with
four-year
institutions
to
being
one
of
34
schools
that
are
part
of
the
campus
Philly
program.
Philadelphia
stands
out
as
a
city
that
is
doing
higher
education
right.
Thank
you
for
your
time
and
attention.
Thank.
C
Couple
comments
and
a
couple
comments:
maybe
a
question
in
there:
ms
Gail.
Thank
you
very
much
for
your
testimony
and
if
you
could
relate
a
doctor
generals,
how,
from
this
councilman
tonight's
think
I
speak
for
many
of
our
colleagues,
the
fine
work
you're
doing
because
I
know
it
works,
you're
the
entry
level
for
many
people
to
go
on
to
higher
education.
In
fact,
I
know
a
very
bright
young
man
who
could
go
to
anywhere,
probably
in
the
United
States
he's
chosen
community
to
start
his
college
education,
so
he
can
kind
of
find
himself.
C
C
And
mr.
Slaton,
the
coop
at
Drexel
does
work
and
that's
a
great
opportunity.
People
in
the
workforce,
I
can
personally
attest
my
legislative
assistant.
It
was
an
intern.
Now
he
has
a
part-time
position
is
his
name
is,
are
endemic
and
he
will
upon
graduation
get
a
job
in
this
institution
of
City
Council,
and
that
is
also
saying
that
he
has
very
little
academic
background.
C
He's
a
geology
major,
but
he's
happened
to
work
for
a
guy
who
has
an
agricultural
background
and
is
an
agronomy
major
who,
together
with
him,
adding
it
to
my
staff,
we're
gonna,
make
some
things
grow,
but
you'd
be
surprised
how
people
get
positions
and
I
want
to
actually
now
talk
to
dr.
Smith.
In
fact,
maybe
the
roles
should
be
reversed.
I
should
be
giving
testimony,
but
dr.
Smith
I
want
to
thank
you
for
being
here.
C
Smith
and
we
have
a
friend
in
common.
Actually,
he
works
for
you
and
he's
the
director
of
grants.
His
name
is
truck
Hinkle,
but
let
me
be
also-
and
this
came
to
be
while
I
was
hearing
had
I
taken
the
position
in
Centre
County.
It
was
an
offer
one.
So
I
didn't
even
bother
with
it.
I
came
back
here
really
excited
I
had
my
Bachelor
of
Science
in
agronomy
and
those
who
don't
know
what
agronomy
is.
C
It's
soil,
science
and
field
crop
management
and
one
of
the
field
crops
is
turf
grass
so,
and
the
friends
Hospital
hired
me,
because
why
they
have
a
hundred
acres
of
lawns
and
also
at
the
time,
had
the
largest
collection
of
azaleas
anywhere
in
North
America
in
Philadelphia.
Many
people
do
not
know
that
that
sort
of
things
exist
and
we
ought
to
tell
our
own
story
in
in
many
ways,
and
in
comes
a
young
fella.
Newly
graduated
from
Temple
accept
his
degree.
Work
was
in
film
and
TV
production
couldn't
find
a
job.
C
I
said
Chuck
a
hire,
you
decided
I
was
there
for
nearly
four
years.
Not
only
did
he
stay
there
for
four
years
he
stayed
there
for
an
additional,
eight
or
nine
years
further
than
that
and
all
the
white
learning
other
things
in
agriculture
had
I
not
been
there.
Personally
swathmore
college
would
have
probably
somebody
else
running
the
program
and
as
grounds
director
and
I.
Don't
think
he'd
be
as
good.
C
That
kind
of
stuff
comes
from
people
and
the
more
we
can
attract
and
create
that
kind
of
synergy
in
the
city
of
Philadelphia,
the
greater
of
a
city
we
will
be,
we
need
to
collaborate,
we
need
to
talk
to
one
another
and
I
just
want
to
ask
you
if
there's
one
thing
very
quickly
as
we're
short
on
time,
there's
never
enough
time.
Time
is
a
very
difficult
thing.
If
there's
one
thing,
campus
Philly
or
graduate
Philadelphia
could
do.
What
would
that?
What
would
that
do?
H
We
have
also
been
trying
to
attract
an
increasingly
diverse
student
population,
especially
students
from
wildly
different
socioeconomic
backgrounds,
sure,
and
they
and
some
students
have
said
that
they
can't
afford
the
septa
ticket.
So
my
office
and
the
dean's
office
have
created
a
lottery
where
we
pay
for
the
tickets
that
the
demand
is
outstripping
the
need.
So
anybody
has
ideas
about
how
we
can
work
with
septa
for
help
with
that.
That
would
be
fun
well,.
C
I
think
it's
great
idea:
I'm
gonna,
I'm
gonna
tell
you
something
is
what
I
just
picked
out,
because
my
son
has
really
decided
to
go
to
UConn.
So
now,
I
know
these
people
intimately
I
was
hoping
you'd
be
a
little
closer,
but
you
know
you
have
to
let
children
do
what
they
feel
is
the
right
thing
climb
every
mountain,
the
song
out
of
you,
know
the
sound
of
music
and
all
this,
but
what
they
do
and
it
sparked
my
attention.
C
I'm
gonna
get
to
the
bottom
of
this,
though
cuz,
because,
along
with
my
son,
comes
me
who's
paying
the
bill,
but
the
question
the-
and
this
is
not
for
you
but
I'm
gonna-
find
out
the
University
of
UConn
gives
each
of
its
students
complete
Pass
Council
in
the
state
of
Connecticut
to
go
wherever
they
want
on
a
regular
basis
from
their
state
transportation
system.
I'm
gonna
find
out
who's
paying
that
bill.
That's
an
interesting
way
because
I
think
of
keeping
people
the
more
familiar
you
are
with
an
area.
C
The
more
likely
you
may
want
to
stay.
I
wanted
to
stay
at
Penn,
State
I'll
make
no
bones
about
it.
Why
I
really
like
the
whole
scene,
downtown?
You
were
in
a
great
city,
atmosphere,
ten
minutes
away.
I
could
go
fishing
for
trout,
which
was
very
important
to
me
and
I
wanted
to
stay,
but
there
were
no
jobs.
I
came
back
and
that
all
worked
out
in
this
case
for
mr.
Hinkle.
C
J
H
J
They
intend
to
stay
in
Philadelphia
and
sometimes
we
forget
and
they're
working
usually
have
families,
so
they
don't
have
a
lot
of
free
time,
but
certainly
letting
them
know
that
these
opportunities
exist
and
how
important
it
is
to
do
the
internships
and
make
the
connections
to
network
with
other
students
from
other
institutions
is
very
important.
So
just
getting
the
word
out
I
think
will
make
a
big
difference
in
terms
of
Community
College
of
Philadelphia
I'd
like
to
see
more
than
380
students
showing
up
for
the
internship
fairs.
J
C
I
The
risk
of
sounding
redundant
I
would
certainly
say
getting
the
word
out
there
about
the
about
the
importance
of
experiential
education
and
Philadelphia's
impact
on
that
Drexel
considers
the
city
of
Philadelphia
to
be
a
living
laboratory
where
our
students
work
and
learn
not
just
in
cooperative
education
experiences
by
taking
advantage
of
a
lot
of
the
cultural
and
historical
opportunities
that
are
here
in
the
city,
but
to
promote
the
importance
of
experiential
education.
I
think
is
very
beneficial.
I
I
have
spoken
to
that
in
my
remarks,
and
it
also
in
parental
education
also
improves
the
quality
of
the
universities
here
in
Philadelphia,
because
we
take
massive
amounts
of
data,
for
instance
address.
So
we
take
massive
amounts
of
data
that
come
from
our
employers
and
from
our
students,
completing
cooperative
education
experiences
and
feed
that
directly
back
into
the
curriculum,
so
that
the
curriculum
is
relevant
and
market
driven
and
I
can
only
assume
that
other
universities
here
in
the
city
are
attempting
to
do
the
same
thing.
Thank
you
very
much.
A
K
Education
Committee
chairwoman,
Blackwell
chair,
councilman,
talbin,
Berger
and
other
distinguished
member
of
City
Council.
Thank
you
for
the
opportunity
to
share
my
Philadelphia
story
today.
My
name
is
really
young
and
I'm,
originally
from
Guangzhou
a
large
city
in
southern
China.
After
attending
a
boarding
school
in
the
Carolina
for
two
years,
I
came
to
the
Philadelphia
area
to
study
a
Haverford
College
and
graduated
in
2017,
with
a
major
in
math
and
the
minor
in
statistics.
K
My
original
decision
to
come
to
this
region
was
mostly
driven
by
my
interest
in
attending
Haverford.
College
I
visited
the
school
overnight
in
my
senior
year
of
high
school
and
they
felt
like
the
right
place
for
me.
I
wanted
to
attend
college
in
the
place
where
social
justice
care
about
others
in
the
world
and
being
pushed
and
challenged
will
all
be
part
of
my
college
experience
I
also
like
the
fact
that
Philadelphia
was
20
minutes
away
from
Haverford
the
original
real
by
the
time.
K
I
knew
that
I
would
like
to
be
close
to
an
urban
environment,
but
I
had
no
idea
how
Philadelphia
will
become
home
to
me
in
the
coming
years.
I
started
to
go
off-campus
and
got
more
involved
in
events
and
costs
causes
in
the
city
starting
my
sophomore
year.
My
first
campus
full
event
was
a
corporate
advisory
meeting
when
we
discussed
how
recent
college
graduates
made
decisions
about
what
cities
to
head
to
after
their
graduations
I
thoroughly
enjoyed
the
thoughtful
discussions
and
engaging
activities.
K
Moreover,
I
loved
meeting
local
business
leaders
and
fellow
students,
naturally
I
attended
more
other
photo
of
campus
Villa
events
since
campus
field
events
were
always
unusual
because
they
brought
very
diverse
panelists
and
attendants
from
various
fields.
I
also
came
to
know
Deborah,
Dimon
and
Corey
Delaney
personally,
when
they
had
some
ideas
to
share
about
Philadelphia
the
met
with
me,
one-on-one
and
talking
my
views.
I've
stayed
in
touch
with
them
since
graduating
and
knowing
that
I
can
turn
to
them.
K
If
I
want
an
introduction,
a
vice
or
have
an
idea
to
share
with
them,
it
shows
how
unique
Philadelphia
is
that
a
college
students
can
make
these
deep
connections
with
city
organizations
and
leaders.
There
were
many
reasons:
I
chose
to
stay
in
Philadelphia
after
I
graduated
first
I
have
a
lot
of
connections
from
a
summer.
Internships
in
Philadelphia
and
all
that
network
and
mentorship
have
prepared
me
to
take
on
the
job
search
process.
K
I
currently
work
as
a
data
scientist
at
the
Philadelphia
company
called
brings
you
a
consulting
firms
that
helps
businesses
and
organizations
better
understand
their
online
customers.
I
met
one
of
the
co-founders
Jenny,
do
and
an
event
by
the
National
Association
of
Asian
American
professionals,
and
they
were
interviewed
and
received
an
offer.
K
Second
I
was
drawn
to
stay
in
the
city,
because
Philadelphia
has
a
very
diverse
population
and
neighborhoods
falafels.
A
lot
of
grassroot
movements
happening
I
care.
A
lot
about
social
justice
issues
regarding
urban
planning,
housing
and
minorities,
and
I
felt
like
Philadelphia,
has
a
lot
of
opportunities
for
me
to
explore
those
passions.
The
city
has
opened
its
arms
to
me.
The
people
in
the
city
have
opened
their
arms
to
me.
They
have
lifted
me
up
and
help
me
grow
both
personally
and
professionally.
K
I'm
grateful
for
the
Haverford
Community
Campus,
Villa,
Community,
National
Association,
the
Asian
American
professionals,
Philadelphia
chapter
P,
CDC
and
many
more
organizations
of
Philadelphia
were
always
given
me
room
and
space
to
take
risks
and
try
new
things.
I
cannot
think
Philadelphia
enough
for
caring
it's
for
for
caring
about
as
college
students
and
making
them
feel
loved
and
hurt.
Thank
you
thank.
A
L
Good
afternoon
my
name
is
Bryant
Washington
I'm,
a
student
at
Temple,
University
and
I'll,
be
graduating
in
May
of
2018
I
want
to
thank
education,
community
woman,
chairwoman,
Blackwell
and
Councilman
taubenberger
for
presenting
us
with
this
opportunity
to
share
our
experience
with
campus
filling
I,
attended,
George
Washington,
High
School
in
North,
Northeast
Philadelphia
and
began
college
at
Arcadia.
University
I
wanted
to
grow
academically
and
professionally
more
than
I
felt
I
could
at
Arcadia
and
transfer
to
Temple
University's
Fox
School
of
Business
one
event.
L
One
advantage
of
attending
college
in
this
region
is
that
with
so
many
options
you
can
stay
in
Philadelphia
and
find
the
best
education
for
you,
no
matter
where
you
are
on
your
academic
or
professional
journey
at
Temple
I've
had
the
opportunity
to
conduct
research
with
faculty
and
have
the
opportunity
to
produce
a
public
piece
of
scholarship
with
Professor
Kevin
founded
this
semester,
I
learned
of
campus
Philly
through
college
fests,
an
event
that
brings
out
thousands
of
students
in
early
September
to
welcome
us
all
back
to
school.
I
thought
it
was
an
awesome
event.
L
Although
I
didn't
know
much
about
campus
Philly
at
this
time,
I
thought
it
was.
It
was
great
that
the
city
brought
together
such
a
diverse
group
of
college
students
to
welcome
them.
There
were
friends
there
from
Arcadia
Temple
Penn
University
to
sciencism,
probably
more
schools
than
I
could
count.
I
started
following
campus
Philly
through
their
newsletter
and
attending
some
networking
events
they
produced.
The
events
were
always
unusual
because
they
fostered
an
authentic
interaction
between
recruiters
and
professionals.
I
had
a
chance
to
have
a
real
conversation
with
people
and
not
just
hand
over
my
resume.
L
As
a
result
of
my
experience
with
campus
Philly
events,
I
began
to
work
with
them
as
well.
During
the
summer
of
2017,
I
helped
organize
campus
Phillies
meet
Philly
tour,
where
we
headed
to
34
different
college
campuses
to
welcome
students
to
the
region
and
tell
them
about
Philadelphia
being
a
part
of
the
meet
Philly
tour
was
a
way
for
me
to
help
other
students
feel,
as
included
in
a
larger
Philadelphia
community,
as
I
felt
during
my
time.
At
Temple
I
heard
a
number
of
students
talk
about
their
internships
at
Vanguard.
L
They
always
had
good
things
to
say
about
them,
and
I
also
had
seen
vanguard
of
campus
Phillies
events,
including
college
fests,
and
knew
that
they
were
a
partner
of
campus
Phillies
as
well
as
this
gave
me
a
good
feeling
that
this
would
be
a
good
company
to
work.
I
attended
van
gross
Explorer
today
at
their
campus
in
Malvern
and
I,
felt
immediately
comfortable.
They
talked
about
diversity
and
inclusion
during
the
day
and
it
was
authentic.
They
walked
in.
They
walked
the
walk.
L
A
M
Hello,
my
name
is
Deepak
assortative
and
I'm,
a
student
at
Drexel
University
graduating
in
2019,
Thank,
You
education
committee,
chairwoman,
Blackwell
and
Councilman
John
Bogle
and
all
the
distinguished
members
of
City
Council
for
providing
me
with
the
opportunity
to
speak
about
campus
Philly,
though
I
only
moved
to
Philly
in
2014
to
attend.
Drexel
University
I
was
familiar
with
the
city
since
I
was
a
small
child.
That's
because
at
least
one
member
of
Maxton
and
family
in
India
has
been
attending
school
in
Philadelphia
for
the
last
15
years.
M
For
my
family
from
Bangalore
India
Bank
Philadelphia
is
known
as
the
city
of
Education,
and
we
always
look
at
schools
here
before
looking
anywhere
else,
I
chose
Drexel
for
both
its
city
location
and
its
co-op
program.
I.
Consider
myself
a
city
girl
and
like
being
the
middle
of
things
at
Drexel
I,
can
look
out
the
classroom
window
to
see
the
hub
of
business
across
the
street
and
across
the
river
and
the
core
program.
The
Drexel
offers
has
allowed
me
to
experience
different
real-world
environments
and
apply
what
I've
learned
in
the
classroom.
M
I
am
a
marketing
and
business
analytics
major,
and
my
current
co-op
is
with
Bentley
Systems
a
campus
Philly
partner
company
Bentley
system
develops
computer
programs
for
engineers.
Building
infrastructure
I
am
on
a
product
marketing
team
at
Bentley
learning.
What
business
Marketing
is
all
about
prior
to
Bentley
I
was
an
intern
at
the
Museum
of
American
Jewish
history.
That
opportunity
provided
a
completely
different
way
to
apply
my
marketing
background
and
learn
about
the
nonprofit
and
arts
and
culture
worlds
in
Philadelphia.
M
I
met
Deborah
diamond
campus
Felice
president
at
that
internship,
because
of
campus
Philly's
help
in
promoting
the
museum
to
college
students.
Since
then,
I
have
attended
campus
fully
Edwin's
use
a
internship
platform
and
read
the
student
news,
letters
to
find
things
to
do
in
the
city.
People
frequently
ask
me
what
I
think
about
Philadelphia
and
I
tell
them
that
I
know
for
a
show
of
fact
that
this
is
a
city.
I
could
see
myself
spending
my
life
in
my
favorite
thing
about
Philadelphia.
M
Is
that
there's
so
many
different
types
of
Philly
each
person
has
their
own
version.
You
can
come
to
University
City
and
see
the
future
of
tomorrow.
All
around
walk
down
a
few
blocks,
Center
City
and
see
some
of
the
most
hardworking
people
you
have
ever
met
and
cross
city
hall
into
old
city,
and
we
find
some
of
the
most
honest
and
real
people
ever.
There
is
something
for
everyone,
even
those
who
don't
feel
like
they
don't
usually
fit
into
groups
find
themselves
at
home.
C
You
just
a
comment:
I
want
to
congratulate
all
of
you
on
the
beginning
of
careers
that
seemed
to
be
on
the
on
the
gatech,
jury
up
and
I
think
it's
important
that
you've
all
added
something
to
this
and
the
perspective
that
is
very
valuable
for
us,
as
City
Council
people
and
to
mr.
Washington,
because
he
is
a
graduating
class
of
2018.
C
A
G
Good
afternoon,
madam
chairwoman
good
afternoon,
as
well
as
City
Council
member
Tom
Berger,
my
name
is
Jeanie
Heffernan
and
I'm.
The
senior
vice
president
and
chief
human
resource
human
resources
officer
at
independence,
Blue
Cross
I'm,
also
a
member
of
the
advisory
board
for
graduate
Philadelphia
I'm
delighted
to
be
here
today
to
talk
about
graduate
Philadelphia
and
how
the
partnership
between
our
two
organizations
has
benefited.
So
many
of
our
associates
over
the
past
seven
years,
education
is
very
important
to
blue
cross
and
we
believe
that
helping
our
associates
helps
us.
G
Since
2011
graduate
Philadelphia
has
been
supporting
independence,
Blue
Cross
associates,
who
have
some
college
credit,
go
back
to
school
and
complete
their
degrees
through
individual
advising
sessions,
college
fairs
and
presentations
on
college
related
topics.
Hundreds
of
our
associates
have
returned
to
college,
with
our
financial
assistance
and
receive
their
diploma.
Working
with
graduate
Philadelphia
has
benefited
our
organization
as
well
as
our
associates.
In
so
many
ways.
First,
our
associates
have
been
given
the
information
and
the
guidance
they
need
to
return
to
school
adults.
G
They
in
turn
are
much
more
likely
to
complete
their
degree
and
they
do
as
an
employer.
The
benefits
for
us
have
been
immeasurable
first,
as
you
know,
providing
financial
assistance
to
our
associates,
while
also
providing
support
graduate
Philadelphia
means
so
much
to
our
employees.
It
shows
them
that
Blue
Cross
doesn't
just
provide
needed
funds,
but
we're
also
believe
in
investing
in
our
associates
by
providing
them
the
guidance
and
support.
G
Additionally,
with
more
educated,
employee
pool
pool,
we
are
more
likely
to
promote
from
within
when
we
have
the
opportunities
within
our
organization
and
by
providing
services
such
as
those
through
Graduate
Philadelphia.
Our
employees
feel
value,
and
this
certainly
contributes
to
lower
rates
of
turnover.
So,
as
you
can
see,
our
partnership
is
very
important
with
graduate
and
Blue
Cross.
Thank
you
so
much
for
the
time
today
to
recognize
them
and
the
great
work
that
they
do.
Thank.
N
N
You
from
Thomas
Edison,
State
University,
the
end
goal
is
so
near
and
I
will
be
graduating.
This
fall
I
ask
myself
every
day.
Why
is
it
so
important
for
me
to
complete
my
degree?
I
need
to
complete
my
degree
for
several
reasons,
one
to
show
my
daughter
that
she
that
she
that
she
should
excuse
me
finish
what
she
started
and
it
and
it
is
worth
it.
My
daughter
is
25
years
old
recently
graduated
from
recently
graduated
and
completed
her
associate
degree
from
Art
Institute.
N
She
will
begin
working
towards
her
best
best
degree
and
Philadelphia
University
Jefferson
University.
This
fall
I
want
to
show
my
daughter
that
with
hard
work,
she
too
can
complete
her
degree
to
receive
a
bachelor's
degree
in
social
science.
So
I
could
pursue
my
dream
career
in
a
social
work
or
services
3.
My
goal
is
to
become
a
youth
counselor
or
a
life.
Coach
I
want
to
work
with
junior
high
and
middle
school
age
students
at
this
age,
so
many
youth
for
the
guidance
and
support
on
school
issues
and
personal
life
situations.
N
That
did
not
deter
me,
but
maybe
more
determined
to
get
my
degree
while
working
at
independence,
Blue
Cross
I
noticed
they
graduate
Philadelphia
was
offering
different
classes
for
adult
that
were
going
back
to
school.
They
Rhian
dude,
introduced
me
to
the
academic
process
and
how
it
would
be
beneficial
for
me
to
go
back
to
school
during
an
appointment
with
one
of
their
advisors.
N
They
told
me
how
I
could
cook
could
continue
excusing
my
education,
online
and
I
am
now
waiting
patiently
for
that
day,
when
I
were
great
away
from
Thomas
Edison
State
University
I
realized
several
years
ago
that
the
career
I
want
to
pursue
could
not
be
achieved
without
receiving
my
best
suit
of
arts
degree.
Having
this
degree
will
give
me
the
opportunity
to
make
all
my
hopes
and
dreams
come
true
and
at
the
same
time
help
others
pursue
their
ambitions
when
I
receive
my
degree
it
will,
it
will
be
for
the
betterment
of
the
community.
N
Remember
you
are
never
too
old
to
pursue
your
passion
and
realize
your
dreams.
I
am
considered
to
be
over
the
hill
by
the
inceptive
standards.
However,
I
know
that
as
long
as
I
can
dream
it
I
can
achieve
it.
Thank
you
to
graduate
Philadelphia
personnel
for
providing
me
with
their
proper
resources
and
guidance.
So
I
could
star
my
career
and
Johnny
to
continue.
My
education,
I
am
fluent.
I
am
now
on
track
to
graduate
in
September
2018.
Thank
you
for
this
opportunity
to
share
my
story
with
all
of
you
today.
Thank.
G
O
O
However,
my
educational
dreams
and
goals
ended
abruptly
doing
it
due
to
ill-advised
act
of
insanity
that
resulted
in
an
extended
stay
of
incarceration
in
2007.
During
my
incarceration
at
FCI
ferritin
in
New
Jersey
I
enrolled
in
college
courses
at
Cumberland,
Community
College
in
preparation
for
my
pending
release
in
2009
in
2006
I
was
reading
an
article
in
the
Philadelphia
Daily
News
about
graduate
Philadelphia
and
their
efforts
to
assist
individuals
to
return
to
college,
to
finish
their
degrees.
O
I
saved
the
article,
because
that
was
always
a
goal
to
complete
my
college
degree
and
I
always
knew
that
I
would
go
back
to
school.
As
a
returning
citizen
in
2009,
I
went
to
graduate
Philadelphia's
office
which,
at
that
time,
was
in
the
gallery
on
Market
Street
and
started
the
process
to
continue.
My
education
in
January
2010
I
enrolled
in
Community
College
of
Philadelphia
and
obtained
an
associate's
degree
in
paralegal
studies
in
May.
O
With
the
completion
of
my
college
degree,
I've
been
able
to
pursue
employment
that
would
not
otherwise
have
been
applicable
to
me
at
present,
I
am
an
employment
specialist
paralegal
at
connection
training
services
in
non-profit
in
Philadelphia,
where
I
mainly
served
ex-offenders
and
the
underserved
population
in
Philadelphia.
I
strive
to
give
my
clientele
the
platform
to
achieve
their
educational
goals
such
as
by
amplify
and
graduate
Philadelphia's
free
advertising
services
and
have
helped
several
people
move
forward.
I
hope
that
they
will
look
at
me
as
a
role
model
and
understand
that
they
too
can
achieve
their
dreams.
O
O
A
C
Just
real
quick,
a
comment
and
I
do
have
a
question
for
for
mr.
flowers,
but
I
want
to
thank
you
all
for
participating
for
giving
us
your
your
life
story
for
giving
us
your
emotion
and
letting
us
know.
You
know
what
what
motivates
you
and
and
and
and
congratulations
on
continuing
your
education.
Mr.
flowers,
yes,
you've
walked
the
walk
and
you've
been
there.
C
You
are
someone
who
is
returned
and
I
am
a
big
believer
in
Philadelphia
being
the
city
of
the
second
chance,
because
in
a
May
in
in
many
ways
this
country
was
based
on
people
that
came
here
for
that
second
chance
for
a
lot
of
reasons,
and
what
is
the
one
thing
that
campus
Philly
and
graduate
Philadelphia
could
do
particularly
graduate
Philadelphia
to
help
those
that
were
formerly
incarcerated?
What
is
something
we
could
do
to
get
them
back
and
get
education,
continuing
their
education
and
an
unfortunately
I'll
speak
my
mind
here.
C
Being
in
being
incarcerated
puts
you
in
contact
with
some
real
hardened
criminals
and
they
have
an
education
system
of
their
own,
and
that's
not
the
one
where
we
want
to
have
our
people
take
the
path
we
want
them
to
come
to
these
colleges
and
learn
and
be
productive
members
of
a
society,
because
getting
a
job
means
everything.
I
am
convinced
of
it.
Your
thoughts
on
what
I
just
said.
As
far
as
what
can
we
do
to
make
it
better?
Well,.
O
First
of
all,
I
would
like
to
say
that
probably
sometimes
we
might
construe
or
think
about
that
people
coming
out
of
prison,
or
mainly
of
some
may
be
illiterate,
all
that
type
of
education
that
you
was
just
referring
to,
but
that's
hardly
the
case
in
a
lot
of
instances.
You
have
a
lot
of
guys
that
have
been
there.
O
So
I
would
probably
say
one
of
the
things
that
will
probably
have
to
be
done,
myself
included
because
I,
you
know
I
use
myself
as
an
example
with
my
clientele
is
that
you
have
to
promote
it.
You
know
somebody
that
is
walk
the
walk,
see
they
listen
to
that.
I
have
no
problem.
I
have
a
great
success
record
I'm,
not
trying
to
brag
about
that,
but
I'm
very
proud
of
my
success
record
since.
O
It
and
then
they'll
understand
it
that
I've
know
someone
I
start
telling
about
certain
things
that
understand
what
he
doesn't
just
have
a
college
degree
he's
been
on
both
sides
and
it
actually
works.
You
know
so
I'll
probably
say
that
you
know
you'd
have
to
recruit
people
similar
to
me
and
put
them
out
there.
O
O
A
A
You've
a
calls
vice-presidents,
additional
advancement
and
strategic
partnerships
from
pierce
college
steven,
robertson,
comebacker
college
access
advocate
hub
for
humanity
and
charity
used
to
graduate
fill
it
up
the
advisory
board
chair
and
president
pathfinder
leadership
group
LLC.
Thank
you.
Thank.
P
You
and
good
afternoon,
madam
chairwoman,
Blackwell
and
Councilman
Totten
burger.
It
is
wonderful
to
be
with
you.
My
name
again
is
OVA
Colts
and
I'm.
Vice
president
of
institutional
advancement
and
strategic
partnerships
appears
College.
I
am
thankful
for
the
opportunity
to
talk
to
you
today
about
so
much
of
what
you've
heard
the
work
that
graduate
Philadelphia
has
done,
but
also
in
collaboration
with
Pierce
College
and
the
important
relationship.
P
Today
we
are
proud
to
offer
employer
informed
and
industry
relevant
associates,
bachelor's
master's
degree,
programs
in
business,
non-clinical,
healthcare,
information
technology
and
legal
studies
as
an
education
and
workforce
provider.
Here's
both
confers
degrees
and
also
builds
customized
training
solutions
for
employers.
Moreover,
we
believe
that
education
is
an
intentional
lever
towards
socio-economic
mobility.
P
We
partner
with
local
stakeholders
to
offer
each
student
a
pathway
to
degree,
completion,
relevant
workforce
skills
and
supports
that
promote
stability
within
and
beyond
classroom
walls
through
a
pragmatic
employer
inform
curriculum
that
drives
technical
empower
skills,
development,
which
is
really
critical
in
this
day
and
age.
Pierce
is
able
to
provide
talent,
pipelines
that
are
well
educated,
well-rounded
and
seasoned.
With
invaluable
experiences,
we
support
students
holistically
giving
them
the
support
they
need
to
finish
their
degree
and
unboard
onto
the
workforce.
Further.
What
differentiates
us
from
others
isn't
just
what
we
do
as
an
academic
institution.
P
It's
really
how
we
do
it
at
Pierce,
we're
committed
to
creating
an
inclusive
educational
environment
that
caters
to
the
evolving
demands
and
life
priorities
of
our
diverse
adult
learners,
many
of
which
you
heard
earlier
today,
Pierce
College
was
one
of
the
founding
partners
would
graduate
Philadelphia
back
in
2005
when
the
idea
of
a
nonprofit
that
would
support
come
back
errs
first
came
together.
Thirteen
years
later,
our
partnership
continues
to
flourish.
Graduate
Philadelphia
come
back.
Hers
who
attend
Pierce
come
to
us
enthusiastic
about
and
well
prepared
for
the
journey
to
a
college
degree.
P
We
see
ourselves
as
a
continuum
would
graduate
college
success,
advisors,
working
hand
in
hand
with
Pierce's
advisors
to
make
sure
comeback
errs,
are
given
a
seamless
path
toward
selecting
majors
that
fit
their
needs,
navigating
career
pathways
and
overcoming
the
barriers
that
led
to
their
stopping
out
in
the
first
place.
These
challenges
aren't
easy
for
any
student
to
navigate
yet
alone,
an
adult
who
might
have
work
and
family
responsibilities
overlaying
their
school
commitments.
So
why
is
our
relationship?
P
This
idea
of
building
a
continuum
so
important
I
can
tell
you
that,
as
a
first-generation
college
student
and
a
former
adult
learner
earlier
in
my
career,
I
can
personally
attest
to
many
of
the
barriers.
Our
comeback
hers
faced.
Numerous
students
stopped
out
of
college
for
reasons
that
have
less
to
do
with
academics
with
grit,
with
a
desire
to
learn
and
to
succeed
and
more
to
do,
as
we
all
know
and
heard
earlier
with
life
challenges.
P
The
things
that
often
have
been
outside
of
the
classroom
that
can
sometimes
feel
insurmountable
financial
constraints
often
play
a
major
role
in
student's
ability
to
persist,
but
it's
it's
larger
than
that.
When
you're
a
high
school
student
getting
ready
to
go
to
college,
you
often
have
supports
around
you
to
help
you
your
school
counselor
you,
parents,
teachers
and
mentors
people
who
see
the
potential
in
you
and
see.
College
is
a
progressive
next
step.
Adult
learners
do
not
always
benefit
from
this
kind
of
support
system.
P
There
is
an
implicit
expectation
that
they
have
all
the
tools
needed
to
figure
out.
The
maze
that
is
on
run
ramping
onto
the
college
experience
if
you're
here
today
and
I
know
we
lost
a
few
people
a
little
bit
earlier,
but
I
think
any
any
of
them
any
who
were
here
earlier
and
those
who
still
remain
you're,
either
a
comebacker
or
in
some
way
have
touch
or
have
supported
children
or
partners
who
are
come
back
errs.
You
know
that
age
is
not
a
determinant
of
success.
P
P
Our
adults,
like
any
other
learners,
need
help
and
guidance
in
order
to
complete
necessary
paperwork,
make
decisions
about
classes
and
majors
and
deal
with
other
issues
that
will
impact
the
reenroll
Minh
graduates,
advisers
primed
the
pump
they
prepare
comebacker
to
re-enroll
and
once
they're
ready
to
take
that
leap.
They
do
a
soft
handoff
to
Pierce's
advisors
for
enrollment
counseling
graduates
advisers
maintain
their
relationship
would
come
backwards
all
the
way
through
graduation
to
ensure
they
have
the
best
chance
of
successfully
completing
their
degree
and
helping
them
trouble.
P
Troubleshoot
issues
along
the
way,
so
in
essence,
graduates,
team
graduates,
team
locks,
arms
with
peers
colleges
in
the
spirit
of
partnership
and
shared
vision,
we're
proud
of
our
partnership,
and
we
look
forward
to
continuing
to
work
collaboratively
for
many
years
to
come.
In
closing,
I'm
grateful
to
the
members
of
City
Council
for
acknowledging
the
important
work
of
graduate
Philadelphia,
Barbara
metalman
and
her
team
have
done
all
the
work
they've
done
to
help.
Philadelphia's
go
back
to
school,
so
they
may
finish
the
college
degree
college
degree
they
started
so
long
ago.
P
Q
Good
afternoon
my
name
is
Steven
Robertson
thank
you,
city,
council,
woman,
Blackwell
and
City
Council
member
at
large
table
and
Berger
for
allowing
me
to
testify
today
in
support
of
graduate
Philadelphia
growing
up
I
envision,
my
future
in
a
place
that
would
be
everything
great
somewhere
along
the
way.
The
twists
and
turns
of
life
turned
it
upside
down
and
kind
of
all
around.
Q
My
story
includes:
failing
out
of
college,
joining
the
workforce,
losing
that
comfortable
job
becoming
housing
and
secure
attempting
to
go
back
to
school
and
working
several
hourly
jobs,
while
trying
to
maintain
at
least
a
3.0
GPA.
Somehow
I
knew
that
despite
any
trial
or
tribulation,
I
could
still
achieve
what
I
had
vision.
Longer,
though
my
story
of
coming
back
to
college
isn't
more
special
than
anyone.
Elses
I
had
to
choose
to
be
resilient
in
the
face
of
adversity
and
fearless.
In
my
adventure
of
doing
something
new,
there
is
an
African
proverb
that
says
alone.
Q
Graduate
Philadelphia
supported
me
by
helping
with
my
application
and
the
financial
aid
process.
They
showed
me
the
way
and
the
rest
is
history.
The
rest
is
what
you
and
I
have
seen
happen
time
and
time
again
for
every
single
human
that
comes
through
their
door
and
I
couldn't
have
done
it
without
their
help.
So
today,
because
of
my
decision
to
become
a
comebacker,
the
supportive
Graduate
Philadelphia,
my
mentors
family
and
friends,
been
afforded
the
opportunity
to
impact
more
lives
as
it
pertains
to
college
access.
Q
Not
only
did
I
graduate
from
Philadelphia
University
now
called
Jefferson
University
I
found
that
a
nonprofit
organization
501c3
called
hub
for
Humanity.
It
is
my
life's
work
to
help
those
living
on
the
margin,
both
youth
and
adults,
to
access
and
achieve
their
purpose.
Most
importantly,
I
am
the
successful
black
male
educator,
which
were
not
have
been
possible
had
it
not
been
for
the
comebacker
experience.
Q
F
C
F
Exactly
advisory
board,
chair
of
Graduate,
Philadelphia
and
I'm
delighted
to
be
here
today
to
talk
about
an
organization
that
is
near
and
dear
to
my
heart:
I
am
a
human
resources
consultant
and
in
college
educator
with
over
15
years
of
human
resource
experience.
I
know
the
critical
importance
of
workforce
development
and
securing
a
strong
employee
talent
base
to
drive
organizational
success.
I
am
also
the
past
president
of
the
Philadelphia
chapter
of
the
Society
of
human
resource
management.
It
was
in
this
capacity
that
I
learned
about
the
wonderful
organization
I
want
to
discuss
today.
F
I
joined
the
Advisory
Board
of
Graduate
Philadelphia
in
2016,
after
learning
about
their
important
mission
to
help
comebacker
x',
who
have
some
college
credit,
go
back
to
school
to
complete
their
degree
as
an
educator.
I
know
what
it
takes
to
persevere
through
college
from
observing
my
students
over
the
past
years.
It
takes
time
money,
commitment
and
most
of
all,
grit
time
is
obvious
as
going
to
class
and
completing
the
work
requires
a
significant
amount
of
dedication,
both
in
and
out
of
the
classroom,
but
for
comebacker
x',
many
of
whom
have
a
job
and
a
family.
F
It's
not
so
easy
to
find
time,
let
alone
quiet
time
to
get
the
work
done.
Our
comeback
errs
learned
that
time
management
is
key
to
their
success.
As
for
money,
college
is
expensive.
I
also
have
a
son
about
to
go
to
college,
whether
you
attend
Community,
College
or
private
institution,
receive
grants
and
scholarships
or
receive
tuition
reimbursement
from
your
employer.
You
still
have
to
pay
a
significant
amount
of
money
to
go
to
school.
F
Comebacker,
understand
that,
although
finishing
their
degree
is
expensive
in
the
long
run,
it's
one
of
the
best
investments
they
can
make
and
well
worth
the
cost.
Going
back
to
school,
takes
commitment,
commitment
to
your
classwork,
your
family
and
sometimes
an
employer,
but
it
also
takes
commitment
to
yourself
to
keep
working
toward
your
degree.
Despite
everything
else
going
on
in
your
life,
I
challenge
you
to
find
a
more
committed
group
of
adults
than
our
comeback
errs.
Lastly,
getting
a
degree
takes
a
grit.
The
definition
of
the
word
grit
is
courage
and
resolve
strength
of
character.
F
Graduate
Philadelphia's,
Graduate,
Philadelphia's
comebacker
show
us
the
real
meaning
of
the
word
grit.
They
strive
to
stay
on
course,
so
they
can
come
back
and
finish
what
they
started
years
ago.
I
applaud
their
tenacity.
They
are
true
heroes.
Like
so
many
of
us
I
know
many
people
who
started
their
degree
and
just
didn't
know
where
to
turn
to
get
the
help
they
needed
to
re-enroll
back
in
college,
had
I
known
about
their
work
earlier,
I
could
have
referred.
Many
comeback
errs
their
way.
F
C
Just
want
to
thank
the
panel.
In
fact,
all
the
people
were
here,
but
particularly
this
panel,
the
give
of
their
personal
stories,
because
personal
stories
is
what
makes
this
we're
all
individuals
were
all
unique
in
many
ways
we
have
advantages
and
in
many
cases
disadvantages
and
to
talk
about
all
that
is
is
important
for
everyone
to
know
so
I.
Thank
you
and,
and
it's
one
of
these
things
when
we
talk
promotion,
it's
been
brought
up,
but
if
we
who
know
the
story
intimately,
don't
tell
that
story.
C
Well,
shame
on
us,
because
we
got
to
tell
the
story.
No
one
else
is
going
to
toot
your
own
horn.
You
gotta
toot
it
yourself
and
there's
nothing
wrong
with
that.
So
in
that
case,
I
want
to
thank
you
for
spending
the
afternoon
with
us
and
if
anybody
wants
to
give
me
their
business
card,
I'd
be
happy
to
give
you
mine,
and
we
can
continue
on
this,
because
what
we
can
learn
collaboratively
and
I.
Like
that
proverb,
I
just
wrote
that
down
you
know
alone,
Ian
go-fast
put
their
together.
We
can
go
further.
A
E
C
C
H
C
We
can
go
fast
and
he's
right
put
together,
and
that
concludes
the
five
counties.
We
can
go
even
further
and
I
think
we're
in
what
I'm
here
in
many
ways
we're
leading
the
nation,
but
we
have
to
continue
that
pace.
Just
let
them
come
to
us
and
ask
us
so
our
expertise,
because
I
think
once
in
a
while
thought
it
off,
he
gets
it
right
and
we
do
it
right.
So
your
proof
of
that
that's
right.
Do
you.
A
E
For
our
comeback,
ours,
who
work
with
us,
we
sometimes
offer
a
math
or
writing
refreshers,
because
we
know
that
many
adults
are
afraid
of
math
and
they
might
need
some
help
when
they're
going
back
into
school,
but
if
they
need
specific
tutoring,
we
tell
them
to
talk
to
their
schools.
Every
college
has
free,
tutoring
services
available
on
campus.
We
direct
them
to
that.
Thank.
A
A
A
O
C
Just
want
to
thank
you
all,
and
particularly
the
two
ladies
of
their
right
right
in
front
of
me:
cuz
you're,
the
genesis
of
all
this
and
I
think
we
have
to
go
on.
You
know
with
renewed
vigor
and
and
and
and
tell
the
story
and
I'll
do
my
part
as
well.
I'm
gonna
find
out
why
University
of
Connecticut
gets
that
bus
pass
and
who's
paying
for
that,
because
you
know
that's
how
you
learn,
you
learn
from
other
things
and
when
someone
said
they're
paying
for
a
bus
pass,
I
want
to
know
how
that
works.
B
B
B
C
The
whole
atmosphere
in
the
end,
though
I
came
home
and
I,
think
there
was
a
reason
why
I
came
home
and
I
think
I've
been
help
some
people,
but
still
like
trout,
fishing
and
I've
even
found
a
pretty
good
a
couple
places
in
Philadelphia
and
actually
full
of
you
can't
even
catch
trout,
one
of
which
I
don't
have
to
walk
far
from
my
home.
So.