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The inaugural 50 recipients of Drexel’s full-tuition and fees scholarships known as Drexel’s Liberty Scholars, along with 50 academically-talented high school students selected to receive the scholarship this year, visited with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter at a City Hall celebration in their honor. (Click on the photo to view a slideshow.)
The Liberty Scholars program is a multi-million-dollar Drexel initiative that will offer a total of 250 academically-talented Philadelphia high school students with significant financial need full-tuition and fees scholarships over five years. The program is currently in its second year and part of a citywide initiative to increase the number of college-educated Philadelphians. It’s available to students attending public or private schools within the city limits.
“Providing more Philadelphians with the opportunity to go to college is a priority for my Administration and is something that is central to our future success and prosperity,” Nutter said. “City government is doing its part, creating a dedicated PhillyGoes2College office in City Hall and increasing the amount of financial aid coming to Philadelphia by almost $200 million. But there is much more to do and that’s why I am so proud that Drexel has stepped up in a big way by creating the Liberty Scholars program, an opportunity for 250 students from Philadelphia schools to go to Drexel.”
Students from schools including public, private, parochial, charter and prep schools in the city are eligible for the full-tuition and fees scholarships. City residents who were educated outside of the city, home schooled, or completed a GED will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
“The Drexel Liberty Scholars program provides new opportunities to outstanding Philadelphia students who would not normally be able to afford a college education,” said Joan McDonald, senior vice president of enrollment management.
As part of the scholarship’s applications process, high school students submit an essay describing what programs they would implement to improve Philadelphia, if they were mayor in 2030. Applicants visit the campus and interview with the scholarship’s selection committee. Liberty Scholars participate in learning communities, which enhance the academic experience with additional enrichment opportunities.
Students in learning communities lead and organize their own activities and facilitate access to important Drexel resources, including academic advising, tutoring, review sessions, and informal gatherings with faculty, deans and University officials.
News media contact:
Niki Gianakaris, director, Media Relations, Office of University Communications
215-895-6741, 215-778-7752 (cell) or ngianakaris@drexel.edu