“Philadelphia Futures is an excellent opportunity for students in Philadelphia public schools. We have to fight our way through to get what we want, and Philadelphia Futures provides the support we need.”
College Sophomore, SAS Class of 2003, Temple University
Benefits
SAS helps students prepare for and succeed in college by offering the following:
- The support of a mentor
- $6,000 for college-related expenses
- After-school enrichment classes
- Individual tutoring
- Trips to college campuses
- Access to a computer lab
- A peer group of students with similar goals
- The opportunity to realize your dream of a college education
Student Responsibilities
Students who participate in the SAS Program are highly motivated and are willing to work hard to successfully complete high school, gain admittance to college, and earn a college degree. SAS students are responsible for the following:
Participation/Attendance
- Attend school regularly, arrive on time, do not cut classes, and do not have any unexcused absences.
- Participate in SAS weekly after-school classes, regularly scheduled meetings, the SAS Annual Conferences, and other SAS activities scheduled throughout the year.
- Be on time for appointments with mentor and SAS staff. If a student is unable to attend, the student must contact the appropriate people well in advance of the meeting.
- Participate in academic summer programs and approved leadership opportunities.
- Be involved in extracurricular and community activities in consultation with SAS staff.
- Have a positive attitude.
Academic Performance
- Use time productively to obtain the best grades possible. Complete homework assignments, review notes, and prepare thoroughly for exams and quizzes.
- Attend SAS academic enrichment classes, including SAT prep classes and skills workshops.
- Take the PSAT test in the fall of junior year. Students will also take the SAT test in the spring of junior year and the fall of senior year.
- Work with SAS Coordinator to develop a plan for academic improvement in the event of receiving a grade of C or below in a major subject area.
- Live up to your fullest academic potential.
Communications
- Return telephone calls from mentor and Philadelphia Futures staff. Students will respond to meeting notices in a timely manner.
- Read all Philadelphia Futures materials sent in the mail, especially the SAS “Spotlight.” Students will share information about the SAS Program with their families.
- Inform SAS Coordinator and mentor immediately if there is a change in address or telephone number.
- Share academic news with mentor and SAS staff, including information about honors and awards received. Students also share information about academic problems or concerns with SAS staff and mentor as soon as possible.
- Check Philadelphia Futures’ web site regularly for announcements.
Student Admissions Process
Because of the level of commitment expected from students and their parents/guardians in the SAS Program, there are several steps in the application process.
- To be considered for participation in the SAS Program, students and their parents/guardians first need to complete a current SAS Application as neatly and completely as possible.
- Return the completed application – with all supporting materials – to Philadelphia Futures as soon as possible.
- Once the application is completed and returned, SAS will review the student’s materials to determine program eligibility.
- If eligible, students and their parents/guardians will be invited to the Philadelphia Futures office for an in-person interview.
- If the interview is completed successfully, the student will be invited to participate in a Prospective Student Orientation at the Philadelphia Futures office.
Once Orientation is complete, students will be notified by mail if they have been accepted into the SAS Program.
Do you have what it takes to become a prospective SAS student? If you’re interested, you and your parent or guardian need to complete the Sponsor-A-Scholar Student Application, and submit it to Philadelphia Futures along with the required information as indicated. To request that an application be mailed to you, please contact Ann-Therese Ortíz by email or by telephone at 215.790.1666, Ext. 21.
