On December 13, 2022, Philadelphia Futures (Futures) and Steppingstone Scholars (Steppingstone) unveiled Heights Philadelphia as their new name and brand to commemorate their official merger (Heights). Heights will serve more than 3,000 students after the merger is officially approved by Philadelphia’s Orphan’s Court on November 18, 2022, making it one of the most vibrant, significant, and reputable educational charities in the City of Philadelphia. Heights, which has a $30 million endowment and a $30 million annual budget, has received a lot of support from the Philadelphia community, including institutions in the financial services, technology, and charity sectors.
Heights’ work demonstrates a deep and enduring commitment to break the cycle of generational poverty, which has long been a challenge for the City of Philadelphia. Heights’ work is rooted in the bold vision that “all Philadelphia students graduate high school and achieve economic mobility through college and workforce success.” Heights links students with a network of people who support and invest in their abilities, particularly Black, Latino, and first-generation college students. The organization’s educational programmes for students will start in middle school and give them access to the crucial college, workforce, and academic assistance that dismantle structural barriers and advance economic mobility. As part of its programmes, students will receive individualised guidance, academic support, opportunities for internships, and financial assistance to pave the road for success at every pivotal stage of their life.
Despite having a new name and identity, Heights will be run by respected and experienced educational leaders, Sean E. Vereen, Ed.D., and Sara L. Woods, Esq., who formerly served as presidents of Steppingstone and Futures, respectively. Raj Tewari and Deborah J.R. Hirtle, the former Steppingstone Chair, will serve as co-chairs of the newly reconstituted Board of Directors (former Futures Chair).
Sara L. Woods, Esq., co-president of Heights, said: “Investing in today’s students in such a big way implies a better Philadelphia for all of us.” “Our new structure will provide students with a variety of success pathways. Their accomplishments will fuel both their future and ours. We can scale Heights and provide services to more kids, who will gain from our all-inclusive approach to advising, opportunities, and resources.”