Sponsor-A-Scholar (SAS), a program developed and implemented by Philadelphia Futures, has a track record of success in supporting low-income students attending Philadelphia’s neighborhood high schools on the journey to – and through – college. We provide comprehensive services and resources to students and their families to remove the academic, financial, and social barriers that traditionally prevent first-generation-to-college students from achieving college success. The SAS Program is unique in the depth and duration of its services. We support students from the beginning of the 9th grade through the transition to college and the achievement of a college degree. Our multi-pronged approach includes long-term, one-on-one mentoring; year-round academic enrichment and college guidance activities; $6,000 for college-related expenses; and individualized staff support through high school and college. While in high school, SAS students are exposed to a series of activities and resources designed to prepare them for college, including after-school classes, SAT preparation, summer enrichment experiences, college counseling, campus visits, career awareness, clubs, cultural outings, one-on-one mentoring, and more. During college, the Office of College Retention and Success (OCRS) provides SAS collegians with individualized counseling, preparation for graduate school and careers, and financial support and guidance. The OCRS also develops and maintains strategic partnerships with several Pennsylvania colleges and universities that support SAS students financially and academically.

Philadelphia Futures provides Philadelphia's low-income, first-generation-to-college students with the tools, resources and opportunities necessary for admission to and success in college. Our organization operates on the belief that a college education is the portal to economic self-sufficiency and a satisfying life.

Philadelphia Futures has developed and implemented an extensive array of programs and services that help students step up to success. At the core of our organization is Sponsor-A-Scholar (SAS) – a nationally-recognized program that provides students from Philadelphia’s neighborhood high schools with the critical support and resources they need to achieve their dream of a college education. Beyond the SAS Program, Philadelphia Futures publishes the annual Step Up to College Guide – an invaluable resource for thousands of students across Philadelphia. In addition, we work with businesses, foundations, and other organizations that look to Philadelphia Futures to help create and manage scholarship and award programs on their behalf.