FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Program Cuts Adult Learners’ Outstanding Student Debt by 72%, Clearing the Path Back to College”
Graduate Philadelphia becomes the region’s first third‑party payee dedicated to eliminating outstanding student institutional debt and restoring access to higher education
PHILADELPHIA, PA — July 1, 2026 — Graduate Philadelphia has launched a groundbreaking initiative that is transforming the futures of adult learners across the region by tackling one of the most persistent barriers to degree completion: unpaid institutional student debt. Through a generous grant from the S. Albert Fund at the Philadelphia Foundation, the organization has become the Greater Philadelphia region’s first third‑party payee focused on helping adults. This grant supports women in clearing institutional balances and returning to college.
Since the program’s launch, 46 women have applied, 34 have been approved, and Graduate Philadelphia has successfully negotiated their combined institutional debt from $175,822 down to $50,392. This amounted to a remarkable 72% reduction. Participants are already more than halfway toward degree completion, with an average GPA of 3.0, and are now re‑enrolling with renewed momentum.
“Student debt creates a devastating catch‑22 for adult learners,” said Phil Brooks, Interim President & CEO of Graduate Philadelphia. “You can’t earn more without a degree, but you can’t finish your degree because of debt. This initiative breaks that cycle and restores opportunity for families across our region.”
Institutional debt often includes more than unpaid tuition. They can include library fines, lab fees, health center charges, parking tickets, and other campus costs that can all block students from accessing transcripts, registering for classes, or completing their degrees. Graduate Philadelphia’s model directly addresses these barriers by negotiating settlements, restoring enrollment access, and providing re‑enrollment and retention support to boost graduation rates.
Participant institutions include Temple University, Drexel University, Harcum College, Peirce College, Cheyney University, Penn State University, Southern New Hampshire University, Monroe College, Chamberlain University, Purdue Global, the Community College of Philadelphia, and others.
“This program shows what’s possible when philanthropy, higher education, employers, and community organizations work together to remove barriers—not reinforce them,” Brooks added. “Every dollar of debt eliminated represents a new opportunity for an adult learner to complete a credential, secure a better job, and strengthen their family’s financial stability.”
One recent participant, Tonya Williams, exemplifies the program’s impact. With a GPA between 3.75 and 4.0, she has earned a place on the President’s List and received an invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society recognizing academic excellence.
Graduate Philadelphia plans to expand the initiative to serve hundreds more adults—including men—by partnering with additional colleges, employers, and philanthropic leaders. “Our goal is to redefine how we see students in debt,” Brooks said. “They are scholars, parents, workers, and community leaders who deserve a clear path to completion.”
Program Results to Date:
● 46 women applied for debt relief assistance
● 34 applications approved
● $175,822 in outstanding institutional debt identified
● 74% approval rate with debt reduced from $175,822 to $50,392
● 72% reduction in student debt obligations
● Dozens of adult learners reconnected to higher education opportunities
● Next scholarship application is open July 13th, 2026 – August 28th, 2026
About Philadelphia Foundation
Since 1918, the Philadelphia Foundation has strengthened the economic, social, and civic vitality of the Greater Philadelphia region by connecting philanthropic resources with community needs. They manage more than 1,000 individual charitable funds and award millions in grants and scholarships annually.
About Graduate Philadelphia
Graduate Philadelphia advances social and economic mobility for racially diverse, lower-income adults through workforce credentialing, degree completion, and living-wage employment. The organization was the first in the U.S. to align resources both inside and outside higher education specifically to help adults enroll in college, earn degrees, and achieve family-sustaining careers. Working at the intersection of higher education, workforce development, and employer engagement, Graduate Philadelphia helps adult learners overcome barriers to education and career advancement while strengthening the region’s talent pipeline.
Contact Information for Scholarship Applicants:
Phone: 215-933-2139
Email: Advisor@GraduatePhiladelphia.org
Website: www.graduatephiladelphia.org
Media Contact:
Sena Owereko
VP of Marketing and Communications
Graduate Philadelphia
sena.owereko@graduatephiladelphia.org
215.933.2139
