Campus Philly wants students to fall in love with the city — and stay

CollegeFest, Campus Philly’s annual Welcome to Philly celebration, kicks off Saturday, Sept. 10 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 11.

Listen 6:00
Students pose with the Phillie Phanatic 2021's CollegeFest, Campus Philly’s annual Welcome to Philly celebration. (Karan Sethiya for Campus Philly)

Students pose with the Phillie Phanatic 2021's CollegeFest, Campus Philly’s annual Welcome to Philly celebration. (Karan Sethiya for Campus Philly)

Founded as a solution to Philadelphia’s brain drain, Campus Philly has been working to encourage college students to fall in love with the Philadelphia region, launch their careers, and stay.

Since its founding as a nonprofit in the early 2000s, the organization has expanded to serve not just college students, but also recent graduates.

Marissa Christie, vice president of strategy and communications for Campus Philly, says the organization now helps college students and young professionals “find their fit in Philly” through fun events at iconic Philadelphia venues, recruiting fairs, panel discussions, job and internship opportunities, and career resources.

Marissa Christie, vice president of strategy and communications for Campus Philly. (Courtesy of Marissa Christie)

CollegeFest, Campus Philly’s annual Welcome to Philly celebration, kicks off Saturday, Sept. 10 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 11. The block party, located between 19th and 20th streets, will feature local brands and vendors.

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

Festivities will begin Saturday morning at the Citizens flagship location, where the Phillie Phanatic will make an appearance and students can enjoy free breakfast and coffee.

Students participate in 2021’s CollegeFest, Campus Philly’s annual Welcome to Philly celebration. (Karan Sethiya for Campus Philly)

College students who sign up will get free access to more than 25 museums across the city, free rides on SEPTA, including via Regional Rail, subway, trolley, and the Philly Phlash downtown loop.

A list of other upcoming Campus Philly events for recent graduates can be found online.

Students participate in 2021’s CollegeFest, Campus Philly’s annual Welcome to Philly celebration. (Karan Sethiya for Campus Philly)
  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

Saturdays just got more interesting.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal