Higher education remains financially out of reach for many, including high potential students from disadvantaged backgrounds in Philadelphia. Recent data indicates that only 10 percent of School District of Philadelphia graduates go on to attain a college degree. Removing financial barriers is the first step for talented, disadvantaged students to gain access to a college degree.

To make this first step possible, Drexel University introduced the Liberty Scholars Program which will provide full tuition for 50 high-potential students living within the City of Philadelphia. The first class will enter in fall 2010, and, over the next five years, the university will contribute more than $28 million in tuition and fees for up to 250 students. In addition to tuition, university faculty mentors will engage the Liberty Scholars with academic and counseling support. Research has shown that students who live and study on campus are much more likely to finish their degrees on time and succeed in their courses. Although the cost of tuition and fees for Liberty Scholars is provided for up to five years, Drexel seeks philanthropic gifts to support dormitory accommodations, an institutional meal plan and ancillary costs for items such as books, computers and other requirements for these Liberty Scholars so they can fully participate in the full array of extra-curricular academic, cultural and extra-curricular learning opportunities. 

Ways to Support Liberty Scholars

---Provide Additional Scholarships so that more students each year can become Liberty Scholars and take advantage of Drexel’s unique co-operative education experience. Each student that graduates through the Liberty Scholars Program will have the academic skills to become a contributing member of our society, and inspire the next generation to prepare for a college degree. Please contact Ken Goldman, Associate Vice President of Major Gifts, at (215) 895-2607 or at goldmankh@drexel.edu.
Make a Gift Online

---Provide Individual Student Support through room and board sponsorship, so that a Liberty Scholar can thrive in the multi-faceted university experience.  Students create intellectual and social relationships with peers, mentors and faculty when they live on campus and these relationships, along with easy access to campus resources, contribute significantly to their academic success. Please contact Ken Goldman, Associate Vice President of Major Gifts, at (215) 895-2607 or at goldmankh@drexel.edu.
Make a Gift Online

---Provide Ancillary Education Expenses for books, computers and other items so students can complete their required coursework. For 21st century students, books, computers and Internet access are essential to being able to successfully complete assignments, perform research and design research projects. Please Support Liberty Scholars by making a gift online.

If you prefer to send a gift through the mail, please make your check payable to Drexel University, note in the memo line that the gift is to support the Drexel Liberty Scholars Program and mail to the address below:

Drexel Gifts
P.O. Box 8215
Philadelphia, PA 19101-9684