City employees in Philly to get discounts at some colleges

In an effort to increase the number of city residents with a college degree, Mayor Nutter introduced Tuesday the Mayor's Returning to Learning Partnership, which gives city employees a 25 percent discount on tuition at five local colleges and universities.

"This is making acquiring a degree much more a reality," Nutter said.

The schools are Chestnut Hill College, Community College of Philadelphia, Peirce College, Philadelphia University, and Rosemont College. Widener University is in the process of signing on to the agreement. The city is encouraging other institutions to join.

"We recognize the need for the education of our employees," Nutter said after encouraging employers to support employees pursuing degrees. He spoke at a City Hall event attended by representatives from the colleges.

The program is at no cost to the city, he said.

The undergraduate colleges included in this partnership are affiliated with Graduate! Philadelphia, a joint initiative between Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board and the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania to increase the number of adults in the region with college degrees.

Some of the colleges have graduate programs that also are included in the program.

Nutter noted that the degree-attainment rate in Philadelphia has increased, according to census data, from 18 percent in 2000 to 21 percent in 2008, but added, "We still have much more work to do."

For more information on the programs included at each school, whether spouses and dependents are eligible, and dates for informational sessions, visit http://www.phillygoes2college.com/