Philly Futures wins grant to help underserved students get to - and through - college

A Philadelphia organization that helps low-income students gain admission and find success in college was awarded a $35,000 grant today.

Philadelphia Futures, which specifically seeks to assist students who are the first in their families to go to college, was recognized as the first 2014 Champion in Action in the category of youth programming.

The grant will be used to support the organization's new Outreach Futures initiative, which brings the organization's expertise in college access to the broader Philadelphia community through programming and the publication and distribution of its Step Up to College Guide.

The grant was awarded by Citizens Bank, NBC10, the Inquirer, the Daily News and Philly.com.

"Philadelphia Futures is honored to receive the Champions in Action Award and we extend our most heartfelt thanks to Citizens Bank, NBC10 and Interstate General Media," said Joan C. Mazzotti, Philadelphia Futures' executive director, in a statement. "This Award could not have come at a more critical time. As the School District of Philadelphia faces an unprecedented budget crisis, Philadelphia students are seeing the limited resources in their schools reduced or eliminated. The funds and benefits provided by this Award will help us fill the profound gap in services available to students."

Working with volunteer mentors, donors, and school and college personnel in direct service to students, in partnership with educational institutions, and in advocacy activities in the broader community, Philadelphia Futures helps a greater percentage of Philadelphia graduates get prepared for higher education, while reducing institutional barriers to their success.

"Citizens Bank is pleased to name Philadelphia Futures as the newest Champion in Action for its work in youth programming," said Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, president and CEO of Citizens Bank and RBS Citizens for Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. "By providing students with services and resources, including comprehensive college guidance, financial incentives and individualized staff support Philadelphia Futures is helping to fill a critical gap in the resources available to Philadelphia public school students in 2013-2014."

Champions in Action is part of Citizens Helping Citizens Strengthen Communities, the bank's program designed to enhance quality of life and economic vitality in local communities. It provides support for small nonprofit organizations to recognize their contributions throughout the five-county Philadelphia area. To date, the program has awarded 35 nonprofits more than $900,000 in grants and promotional support in Philadelphia.

"NBC10 and Telemundo 62 are pleased to let the community know about the important service Philadelphia Futures provides to area students," said Eric Lerner, president and general manager, NBC10 and Telemundo 62. "At a time in their lives when guidance and support is so critical, students can rely on programs like these to help them navigate the academic world and put them on a path to success."

In addition to the grant, Philly Futures will receive the following over the next six months:

"We proudly support this award because investing in the lives and aspiring futures of Philadelphia's underserved students has always been a high priority for Interstate General Media," said Bob Hall, chief executive officer and publisher, Interstate General Media. "Philadelphia Futures plays a crucial role in providing students with the resources they need for college. We look forward to advancing this organization's efforts in The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News and on Philly.com."

Applications for the second 2014 Champion in Action in the strengthening communities through Family Support are due March 7 at 5 p.m. The winner will be announced in July. Eligible nonprofits should apply online at www.citizensbank.com/community/champions