For Prospective Students

Why Participate in SAS?

Dream Plan Do. The Sponsor-A-Scholar (SAS) Program offers motivated high school students the skills, resources, and experience needed to succeed in college - and in life - including:

• The support of a mentor;
• $6,000 for college-related expenses;
• After-school academic classes and individual tutoring;
• Trips to college campuses and personalized college guidance;
• A peer group of students with similar goals; and 
• The opportunity to realize your dream of a college education.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the SAS Program, students need to:

• Attend a Philadelphia neighborhood public high school;
• Have the desire to excel in school and go to college;
• Earn good grades, and strong marks for attendance and behavior;
• Be recommended by a teacher or counselor;
• Meet the SAS Family Income Guidelines (similar to those for the Federal Free and Reduced Price Lunch Program);
• Be excited to have a mentor; and 
• Be ready to participate in SAS academic after-school and summer programs.

Responsibilities

Students who participate in the SAS Program are willing to work hard to successfully complete high school, gain admittance to college, and earn a college degree. SAS students are asked to commit to the following:

Participation/Attendance

• Have a positive attitude.
• Attend school regularly and arrive on time. SAS students do not cut classes and do not have unexcused absences at school.
• Participate consistently in weekly SAS academic after-school classes, regularly scheduled meetings, the SAS Annual Conference, and other activities scheduled throughout the year.
• Be on time for appointments with your mentor and SAS staff. If a student is unable to keep an appointment, the student must contact the appropriate people well in advance of the meeting.
• Participate in approved academic summer programs.
• Be involved in extracurricular and community activities in consultation with SAS staff.

Academic Performance

• Live up to your fullest academic potential.
• Work hard to obtain the best grades possible in school. Complete homework assignments, review notes, and prepare thoroughly for exams and quizzes.
• Keep your SAS Coordinator informed of academic progress – and challenges. Work with your SAS Coordinator to develop a plan for academic improvement in the event you receive a grade of C or below in a major subject area.
• Submit report cards to your SAS Coordinator each quarter, and maintain a plan for continued academic progress.
• Attend SAS academic after-school classes and summer programs. Participate fully and consistently in these sessions to maximize their benefits, and to be prepared for the demands of college.
• Take the PSAT test in the fall of junior year and review the results with your SAS Coordinator. Students also take the SAT test in the spring of junior year and the fall of senior year.

Ongoing Communication

• Return telephone calls from your mentor and the Philadelphia Futures staff. Respond to meeting notices and invitations in a timely manner.
• Read all Philadelphia Futures materials sent in the mail, especially the SAS Spotlight newsletter. Check the Philadelphia Futures website regularly for updates and announcements. Share information about the SAS Program with your family.
• Inform your SAS Coordinator and mentor immediately if there is a change in address or telephone number.
• Share academic news with your mentor and the SAS staff, including information about honors and awards received. Students must also share information about academic problems or concerns with SAS staff and mentors as soon as possible.

Student Admissions Process

Because of the level of commitment expected from students and their parents/guardians, and the extraordinary opportunities made available to SAS students, there are several steps in the SAS application process:

1. Students and their parents/guardians complete a current SAS Application and return the completed application with all supporting materials. 
2. Once the application is returned, SAS will review the materials to determine the student’s eligibility.
3. If eligible, students and their parents/guardians will be invited to the Philadelphia Futures office for an in-person interview.
4. If the interview is completed successfully, the student will be invited to participate in a Prospective Student Orientation.
5. Once Orientation is complete, students will be notified by mail if they have been accepted into the Program.

Apply Today

Do you have what it takes to succeed in the Sponsor-A-Scholar Program?

We encourage you to complete the SAS Application with your parent or guardian, and submit it to Philadelphia Futures with the required information indicated on the form.

To request an application by mail, please contact Emily Herchenroether by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or telephone at 215.790.1666, Ext. 411.