Philadelphia Education Fund

Tomorrow, we celebrate 40 years of impact at PEF’s 40th Anniversary Gala. As we conclude our People of PEF campaign, we’re reflecting on the powerful stories, experiences, and voices that have brought our mission to life over the past several weeks. We’re grateful to everyone who shared their journey with us. From students finding their path to educators and partners creating opportunities, these stories showcase the lasting impact of access, support, and a community committed to student success 🎓

For our final spotlight, we’re featuring Sary Rosado, a PEF alumna who reflected on the role PEF played in her college journey:

“PEF showed me the steps I needed to gain access to college. I knew the pathway, but I didn’t have the steps. PEF provided that foundation of steps to ensure success, offering not only advisors, support, and financial aid to ensure gaps were met and our time was smooth and memorable.”

We look forward to honoring our organization’s legacy of expanding access and opportunity at tomorrow evening’s Gala and recognizing the educators, advocates, alumni, and partners who have shaped this important work and its impact across Philadelphia ⭐️

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Today, we’re spotlighting Cathey White as part of our “People of PEF” campaign celebrating the people who helped shape Philadelphia Education Fund’s first four decades of impact 💙

During her time at PEF, Cathey, who is now the Director of Special Projects in the Office of Postsecondary Readiness at the School District of Philadelphia , managed PEF’s College Access Center, which was located in The Gallery at Market East 🎓

“To me, college access is about ensuring no student’s future is limited by what they don’t know. It requires a commitment to due diligence—guiding families through every postsecondary option to find the ‘best fit’ socially, academically, and financially. The ultimate goal isn’t just an acceptance letter, but a degree in hand that empowers students to earn a sustainable wage and take their rightful seat at the table of the modern economy.”

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As we count down to PEF’s 40th Anniversary Gala (5 DAYS TO GO!) we’re continuing to spotlight the people that help illuminate our legacy of impact, including those educators, leaders, and advocates whose work reflects the power of sustained support and opportunity. Today, we’re featuring Richard Gordon , who partnered with PEF’s consultancy practice to improve the college-going culture at Paul Robeson High School that changed outcomes — and possibilities — for students for years to come.

“The Philadelphia Education Fund was integral to our success at Paul Robeson High School , partnering with me and my leadership team monthly to plan strategically around academics, graduation, on-track performance, and post-secondary opportunities. Their guidance helped us achieve historic milestones, including sending a student to Harvard University—the first Ivy League acceptance in our school’s history—and cultivating a college-going culture that contributed to my recognition as a three-time National Principal of the Year and Pennsylvania Principal of the Year, the first in the 208-year history of the School District of Philadelphia .

Forty years later, the Philadelphia Education Fund’s mission continues to embody the values that guided my work at Paul Robeson High School, championing equity, opportunity, and belief in every student. Through their sustained partnership and strategic guidance, we built a college-going culture that produced historic accomplishments and empowered students to believe in their potential—work that continues to inspire me today in my role as Assistant Superintendent of Philadelphia’s largest high school network.

Join us on June 4 as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary during an evening of cocktails, dinner, awards, and an engaging conversation on the future of education.

TAP LINK IN BIO FOR DETAILS ℹ️ & TICKETS 🎟️ (on sale until Monday at 4:00pm)

PEF’s 40th Anniversary Gala is one week away, and as we near this milestone event, we’re celebrating the people and perspectives that define our impact. From first steps to full-circle moments, these stories show what’s possible with access and opportunity 💙

⭐️ ALBERLIN DEL ORBE RODRIQUEZ ⭐️

• College Access Program & Philadelphia Scholars Alum
• Graduated from Olney High School in 2017
• Graduated from Penn State Abington in 2021
• Working at PSU Abington as an Admissions Counselor

“For me, college access means having someone show you that college is possible, especially when you’re the first in your family trying to figure it all out. It’s about having guidance, resources, and encouragement to understand the process and feel confident about pursuing higher education. College access helped me see opportunities I didn’t even know existed and played a big role in shaping the path I’m on today.”

A few tickets for the June 4 Anniversary Gala are still available 🎉

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Today, we’re spotlighting Tim Wilson as part of our “People of PEF” campaign celebrating the people who helped shape Philadelphia Education Fund’s first four decades of impact.

Tim served as a Program Officer during PEF’s first decade, working with the organization from 1986–1996 as PEF grew and transitioned between four different Center City office locations. During his time at PEF, he managed a mini grants program and supported initiatives focused on middle school education and library access. Tim’s “THEN” photo includes a PEF colleague, Shannon Richardson.

Reflecting on PEF’s 40th anniversary, Tim shares, “I’m delighted that PEF is still going strong after 40 years, continuing to open doors for Philadelphia’s greatest asset – its youth!”

As we celebrate 40 years of expanding access and opportunity, we’re honored to share the stories of the educators, advocates, alumni, and partners who helped build this work.

Join us on Thursday, June 4 for our 40th Anniversary Gala as we honor the community behind the impact and help power the next chapter for Philadelphia students.

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Our celebration of expanding college access in Philadelphia for the past 40 years continues! Today we hear from Gavin, a College Access Program alum from Roxborough High school , who reflects on how PEF helped make college feel possible, opened doors he didn’t know existed, and shaped both his path to higher education and his personal growth 💫

“College access meant many things to me. It was the difference between going in blind or with some light. It opened doors that I didn’t know existed, made getting to college more of a reality, and helped me refine my mindset for college.

As a first-generation college student, PEF and Ms. Holiday shaped my journey immensely. The mindset that was instilled in me, and the opportunities that were given made me more prepared for college and made me a better person.”

Join us on June 4 for a celebratory evening of dinner, awards, and an engaging conversation on the future of education 🎓

TAP LINK IN BIO FOR DETAILS ℹ️ & TICKETS 🎟️

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⭐️ PEF’s 40th Anniversary Gala is two weeks away, and as we head towards this milestone event, we’re celebrating the people and perspectives that define our impact. From first steps to full-circle moments, these stories show what’s possible with access and opportunity 💙

“The Philadelphia Education Fund, through the College Access Center, removed financial barriers allowing me apply to multiple institutions, ultimately securing several full scholarship offers that could have otherwise been out of reach. This support bridged the gap between my potential and the opportunity to realize it. Today, serving as a board member, I am honored to help ensure that the same resources remain available to students.”

Join us on June 4 for a celebratory evening of dinner, awards, and an engaging conversation on the future of education 🎓

TAP LINK 🔗 IN BIO FOR DETAILS ℹ️ & TICKETS 🎟️

Our 40th Anniversary Gala is less than 20 days away and as we head towards this milestone event, we’re celebrating the people and perspectives that define PEF’s impact 💙

⭐️ CEDRICK KADAZI ⭐️

• College Access Program & Philadelphia Scholars Alum
• Graduated from John Bartram High School in 2018
• Graduated from Millersville University in 2022
• Earned an MBA from Penn State University in 2024

“PEF helped me continue my education which allowed me to change the trajectory of my family’s future. PEF has encouraged me to continue chasing my goals while paying it forward to those that come after me. Over the next 40 years, I wish that PEF continues to grow and support more students than it currently does.”

Join us on June 4 for a celebratory evening of dinner, awards, and an engaging conversation on the future of education 🎓

TAP LINK 🔗 IN BIO FOR DETAILS ℹ️ & TICKETS 🎟️

Today we’re celebrating Lana’s journey from high school to the start of her nursing career with Jefferson Einstein Hospital!

“PEF opened up opportunities for me to have a mentor, resources and pursue my academic goals. It helped me understand financial aid offers and what I was looking for in a university. While I was in college, PEF assisted me financially, which I am extremely grateful for. I had more time devoted to my studies, and joined different extra curricular activities.”

⭐️ Lana Marcella Resuello ⭐️

• College Access Program & Philadelphia Scholars Alum
• Graduated from Olney High School in 2019
• Graduated from Gwynedd Mercy University in 2024
• Now a Nurse at Jefferson Einstein Hospital