New program to help Phila. students finish college

The Community College of Philadelphia and Mayor Nutter today announced a new plan to pick up the tuition tab and some of the cost of textbooks for students who have completed 30 or more credit hours toward their associate's degree and who have been out of school for at least two years.

Starting this fall, the pilot plan will be funded by a $100,000 donation from an anonymous person, officials announced this afternoon at a press conference at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce headquarters in center city.

Launched by the community college, the effort is aimed at helping Mayor Nutter achieve his goal of raising the college degree attainment rate in the city by bringing students who are halfway or more toward their degree back into the classroom.

At his inauguration, Nutter pledged to double the rate in the next five to 10 years and cut the high school dropout rate in half. About 18 percent of city residents have college degrees, ranking Philadelphia 92d among 100 cities.

Among the 80 percent without a degree are 80,000 adults, ages 25 to 45, with at least one year of college to their credit, college officials said, citing a report by the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board, a nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board appointed by the mayor.

"By providing educational opportunities, the college works to benefit residents and the city as a whole," college President Stephen M. Curtis said in a prepared statement.

The current tuition for a full-time student taking 24 credits a year is $3,528. An associate's degree is 62 credits.

Mayor Nutter lauded the program, called My Degree Now, in a prepared statement.

"My Degree Now is offering a wonderful opportunity for Philadelphians who are working to reach their goals while pursuing pathways that will lead to exciting opportunities," he said.

To be eligible, residents must apply for financial aid grants, have been out of college for at least two years and agree to complete their associate's degree requirements in three years or less, college officials said. Up to $200 toward textbooks also will be offered each semester.

Officials from Wachovia, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Gas Works and the chamber participated in the press conference.

Employers and individuals interested in participating in the program should call 215-751-8254, e-mail Mydegreenow@ccp.edu, or visit the Web site at www.ccp.edu/site/mydegreenow.