Academy at Palumbo Newsletter

Week of October 8, 2018
Griffin Pride: Nothing Less Than Success!

Programs and Resources

The University of the Arts Pre-College Programs
“Do Saturdays differently! Pre-College Programs Saturday School fall 2018 registration is open for 9-12 graders interested in learning a new craft or building their portfolios. Classes begin Saturday, Oct 13.”

College Possible
“College Possible is making college admission and success possible for low-income students through an intensive curriculum of coaching and support.”

Click here to view a seven-step guide to applying for college.

PhillyCoder Dojo
Learn to code for free at this weekly program. PhillyCoder Dojo equips youth with creative coding and development skills, opening a door of future possibilities for students. Locations and dates are located here.

Mighty Writers
Interested in writing? Mighty Writers runs free daily workshops all across Philadelphia for writing as well as teen programs, mentorships and college prep resources. Visit the online calendar here.

After School Activities Partnerships 
An online directory of hundreds of community-driven after-school activities and resources for Philadelphia youth. Visit the event calendar here.

More Teen Resources

More College Access Resources

Scholarships and Contests

College Match Scholarships, which are provided by participating colleges, cover the full cost of tuition, room and board, are loan-free, and require no parental contribution.  

If you are a student who has achieved academic excellence in the face of economic challenges, we encourage you to apply. QuestBridge’s college partners are committed to making college affordable for all students — regardless of financial background — and offer generous financial aid packages that cover 100% of demonstrated financial need.”

Master List of Scholarships for Low Income Students
“Think you can’t afford college? Think again. I’m a college student and know what it feels like to be a bit tight, but with scholarships for low income students, you can find ways to afford a higher education!“

The Philadelphia Foundation Scholarships
A comprehensive list of more than fifty scholarships available to high school students.

PhillyGoes2College
“PhillyGoes2College guides students through the process of applying and transitioning to college and other secondary opportunities. Whether you’re going for the first time or coming back as an adult, we’ll help you find the right programs, community resources, and financial supports to be successful.”

Find an online list of national and Philly scholarship opportunities here as well as other resources on the website.

Scholarships for First-Generation College Students
These scholarships are specifically awarded to high school seniors who will be the first in their family to attend college.

Volunteering

Coalition Against Hunger
“Founded in 1996, the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger strives to build a community where all people have the food they need to lead healthy lives. The Coalition connects people with food assistance programs and nutrition education; provides resources to a network of food pantries; and educates the public and policymakers about responsible solutions that prevent people from going hungry.”

Philly Reading Coach
Support literacy for elementary students by becoming a volunteer reading coach.

MANNA
Help prepare meals for individuals with serious illnesses in need by helping cook, bake and prepare meals in the MANNA kitchen.

Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission
Help serve meals to the homeless during daily lunch and dinner services. Application here.

Habitat for Humanity
Volunteer to help build and repair homes for those in need across Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society
Support and care for homeless animals by volunteering at a PAWS adoption center.

Mural Arts Philadelphia
Connect with the Philadelphia community through public art.

TeenLife Philadelphia Volunteer Opportunities
“There are many opportunities for middle and high school students to get involved with community service in Philadelphia. Whether you are interested in the environment, medicine, education, mentoring, sports, community-building, or working with elders, children or animals, there is a volunteer program to fit your schedule. Some volunteer organizations need help during the school year; others are summer programs that might include overnights or travel. All offer teens the chance to discover new interests, friends and skills.”

Cap4Kids Philadelphia Volunteer and Job Opportunities

City Life

Night Skies in the Observatory (Tuesday, October 9, 7 – 10PM @ The Franklin Institute, 220 N 20th St)
Join us for an evening of ‘out of this world’ astronomy activities hosted by Franklin Institute Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts. Night Skies in the Observatory is an all ages monthly stargazing event connecting you to celestial objects in the night sky including stars, planets, and nebulae using telescopes in Bloom Observatory and at ‘Ben’s Starlight Lounge’ on our 5th floor rooftop observation deck, featuring a cash bar. Build your own experience from any combination of planetarium shows, a live science talk on astronomy or space science, hands-on astronomy activities and continuous telescopic observing all evening (weather permitting). The program is staffed with knowledgeable observers and free star maps are provided.

Tickets at $10 for the general public and $5 for members. Details here“

Harvest Fest 2018 (Sunday, October 14, 12 – 3PM @ Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd)
“Grab your family and come on down to the 2018 Harvest Festival at Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden! We will have Pumpkin Carving, Cider pressing, Garlic Planting, Hayrides, Food Workshops, paddling on the river, and so so much more! DJ Flipside will be taking us through the day with his amazing tunes! There will be an amazing concert from 3:00-6:00 following festival.
It is Family Friendly, Fun and Free Event!!!!”

Philadelphia Fun Guide
“Philadelphia is a great place to be a teen! The city is filled with so many interesting and amazing arts and culture events happening from West Philly to Center City and the suburbs. One of the great perks of being a teenager in Philadelphia is that you get access to several awesome museums with the STAMP pass, for FREE!”

Free Museums in Philadelphia

ACCESS Card
Visit over thirty five local museums, science centers, gardens, historic sites and cultural attractions at a rate of $2 per person. Residents who “monitor their government issued cash, food, or medical benefits with an EBT card” are eligible to become an ACCESS Cardholder. One ACCESS card enables up to four family members attending at the discounted rate. 

Indego30 Access Pass
Enjoy biking around Philly? Individuals with an ACCESS card can enjoy unlimited 1-hour trips using Indego bikeshare for $5 per month.  

Students at Museums in Philly (STAMP) Pass
Open to all Philadelphia high school students, the STAMP pass offers free admission to Philly museums, attractions and special events. STAMP seeks to increase teen access to Philly’s vibrant art and culture scene.

Free Events at the South Philadelphia Library
An online directory of daily events and resources including career workshops, learning CPR and even jazz concerts.

More Free Things to Do