The education nonprofit will raise $1 million to support thousands of K-8 students
PHILADELPHIA – Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP) today announced the creation of its COVID-19 Emergency Tuition Fund. The education nonprofit is seeking donations to combat short- and long-term effects of the current crisis on CSFP under-resourced families with the goal of raising $1 million.
Families with children in CSFP’s scholarship program have an average income of $34,000, yet struggle already to contribute an average of $2,650 per child toward school tuition. In a recent survey of CSFP parents and guardians, 73 percent of families are currently either experiencing a reduction in income or are out of work entirely because of COVID-19. Of CSFP’s more than 170 partner schools, 83 percent expect at last half of their families to suffer a reduced income as a result of the current crisis. An overwhelming 95 percent of CSFP families feel supported by their current CSFP partner school, and the organization hopes the Emergency Tuition Fund will allow families to keep their students enrolled and engaged.
“With more and more Philadelphians experiencing income loss every single day, the CSFP COVID-19 Emergency Tuition Fund is critical to help our families keep their children enrolled in safe, quality schools. We want to relieve our families from the burden of having to choose between food/housing and education,” said Keisha Jordan, CSFP Executive Director. “We hope to use the fund to assist with spring tuition, but also recognize many families may need help with fall tuition. They’ve worked hard to get their child access to an excellent education, and we must do everything in our power to make sure students can stay at their chosen schools.”
Funds raised will be used to help students remain at their current schools and stay engaged in the distance learning that CSFP’s 170+ partner schools have transitioned to during this uncertain time. Donations are accepted online and anyone with questions is welcome to reach out to CSFP’s Senior Vice President of Development and Chief Operating Officer, Nicole Tell at 215-606-1874.
About Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia
Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP) is a privately-funded program whose mission is to provide children from under-resourced Philadelphia families with financial access to quality, safe, K-8th grade, tuition-based schools, thereby increasing their long-term economic and social success. CSFP grants partial, need-based scholarships to children from under-resourced Philadelphia families, all of which are awarded by random lottery. CSFP currently serves more than 5,000 children enrolled at more than 170 private and parochial schools. For more information, visit www.CSFPhiladelphia.org.
