Penn is deeply committed to educational access. The University’s financial aid budget has grown by more than 150 percent in the last decade—and strengthening assistance across Penn is one of this Campaign’s most important goals.
Thirteen percent of undergraduates at Penn are first-generation students, and, as an extension of our investment in access and supporting students, Penn First Plus is specifically designed to meet the needs of first generation and/or lower-income undergraduates.
Penn First Plus follows a powerful hub and spoke model that builds on the strength of the entire University and expands existing resources to prepare, support, and retain first-generation and/or lower-income students. Benefits transcend the range of essential college experiences, from laptops for students and workshops to career services and funding for summer course grants, internships, research, and service opportunities.
Pivoting in the Pandemic
Thanks to existing infrastructure and deep expertise supporting students, Penn was able to respond to new and pressing financial needs tied to the health crisis and economic downturn. A wide array of supports provided across the University have helped students better navigate remote learning and continue to build community.
Two thousand students were assisted with travel and campus departure in March 2020, and Penn secured internet access for those who needed it, regardless of their location. This fall semester, Penn First Plus provided $30,000 toward textbooks and presented the pre-freshman orientation program virtually—ensuring that students could still benefit from this vital introduction to Penn to help smooth their transition into the University and learn about available supports.
In the months ahead, Penn First Plus will continue faculty and staff training to increase awareness about the experiences of socioeconomically diverse students, augmented by a new website to centralize resources.
More Important Than Ever
Penn First Plus and Penn’s financial aid program are providing vital services and exceptional support to our students—and this would not be possible without the generosity of our donors.
Extraordinary philanthropy is needed to fully realize the vision of Penn First Plus, and there are a number of transformational giving opportunities for donors who wish to make an impact in this way. Support for the endowment for Penn First Plus will strengthen the student experience by underwriting costs for technology awards, summer grants, course grants, emergency needs, and extracurricular activities in perpetuity.
Recent gifts include that of Mindy, C’92, and Jon Gray, C’92, W’92, who last year contributed $10 million to support a cohort of Penn First Plus scholars from New York City. Gary Swidler, W’92, and his wife, Jennifer Dalven, committed a leadership gift to provide students with immediate emergency support during the pandemic.
Contributions to the Fund for Penn First Plus will help seed program innovations, launch initiatives, and enable students to pursue unique opportunities. All donors will be recognized by The Penn Fund, and donors who make gifts over $2,500 will join the Benjamin Franklin Society.
