Drexel's Liberty Scholars Program Enters Second Year

This week, Drexel will welcome the second class of 50 scholars from Philadelphia high schools as part of the University’s Liberty Scholars program. Back In May, President John A. Fry and professional staff from the Office of Institutional Advancement gathered with Mayor Michael Nutter at City Hall in May to celebrate Drexel's inaugural group of 50 Liberty Scholars and congratulate the incoming class.

The Liberty Scholars program provides full tuition and fees for high-potential Philadelphia students with significant financial need. This multi-million-dollar initiative will assist a total of 250 students over five years.

“Our dream is that each Liberty Scholars class will graduate and become the next generation of doctors and entrepreneurs, lawyers and artists, scientists and community leaders of Philadelphia,” Fry said. “The success of the inaugural class in this first year is a testament to what can happen when those with potential are given the opportunity and support to achieve all that they dream to do.”

“You are the ones who are going to make this city what everyone wants it to be,” Mayor Nutter said to the students.

The program responds to a citywide initiative to increase the number of college-educated Philadelphians. Students attending public or private schools within the city limits are eligible. This year’s applicants were required to submit an essay describing what programs they would implement to improve Philadelphia if they were mayor in the year 2030. They also visited the campus and interviewed with the scholarship’s selection committee. Liberty Scholars participate in learning communities, which enhance the academic experience with additional enrichment opportunities.