Penn seeks to build a student body of highly talented individuals and believes that having a diverse student body enriches the educational experience of every student and broadens the leadership pipeline of graduates. These partnerships are one way in which the University aims to engage outstanding yet underserved students with high potential who might not otherwise have the opportunity to go to Penn.
Say Yes to Education
Founded by Penn alumnus and Trustee, George A. Weiss, W'65, the mission of Say Yes is to value and realize the potential of economically disadvantaged youth and families. Say Yes recognizes the daunting challenges faced by children living in poverty and believes children can overcome these challenges when given significant, holistic support. Say Yes is committed to providing this support to at-risk children and their families, enabling them to graduate from high school, accomplish post-secondary educational success, and achieve meaningful life goals, including giving back to their communities.
QuestBridge
Penn partners with QuestBridge—an organization that shares Penn’s commitment to expanding economic diversity—to increase the number of highly talented students from low-income backgrounds in our community. Since 2008, hundreds of QuestBridge scholars have matched with Penn and have enrolled. Additional QuestBridge scholars were not matched but were admitted to Penn in the Regular Decision round.
Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP)
KIPP is a national network of open-enrollment, college-preparatory public charter schools with a track record of preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life. KIPP was founded in Houston in 1994 and has grown to 162 schools serving more than 58,000 students in 20 states and Washington, D.C. As KIPP’s first college partnership with an Ivy League institution, Penn projects enrolling 12-15 KIPP students who meet admissions requirements each year. KIPP students who enroll at Penn support each other on their journey through college and enjoy a home base provided by the Greenfield Intercultural Center.
Maguire Scholars
Maguire Scholars is a partnership with 19 higher education institutions to offer scholarship support for students in area high schools. Maguire Scholars' partners with Faith in the Future, Mastery Charter School, St. Joseph's Preparatory School, Cristo Rey, Merion Mercy Academy, and AIM.
College Track
College Track (CT) empowers students from underserved communities to graduate from college through comprehensive academic support, leadership training, financial and college advising, and scholarships starting from the summer before 9th grade. Penn is committed to collaborating with CT to support its students so that they may enroll, thrive, and graduate.