Philly working to get more students into college

As part of trying to create a more educated workforce in Philadelphia, City Council is focusing on what it takes to help people get a college degree later in life.

Representing Peirce College, Michael Shermer told Council his institution has a lot of “mature” students.

“Nearly 80 percent of those live in the city of Philadelphia,” he said during a hearing. “The large majority are first-generation college students trying to fit the acquisition of employer-valued skills and credentials into a schedule dominated by professional and personal responsibilities.”

Programs such as Philly Goes to College are helping with coaches who help those of any age interested in college navigate a path to graduation. They guide students in selecting a school, and staying on track with their studies.

While not an intense mentoring relationship, the coaches check in at key points of the year to ensure students are on track.