
A Steppingstone Scholar in action.
(Photo via facebook.com/steppingstonescholarsinc/)
Ah, the college application process — something many prospective students dread and end up putting off until the conclusions of their high school careers.
But Steppingstone Scholars, the nonprofit established in 1999 to provide academic enrichment programs for minority and low-income students, believes first-generation and low-income students have particular difficulties navigating both the college search and admission processes.
That’s why Steppingstone, in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania’s Office of Admissions, recently launched an online course called “How to Apply to College.”
Enroll hereThe free, public course, offered through the Coursera platform, is the first collaboration between Penn and Steppingstone, according to a press release. While the course is specifically aimed toward the students looking to apply for college, it’s also designed to help families and counselors by providing information on topics such as how to afford and succeed in college.
It hopes to accomplish all this by linking students to video and web resources, in collaboration with organizations such as the Common Application and Raise.me, an online platform that provides a way for high school students to raise money for college starting early based on their achievements.
“The authenticity of this course will really hit home because we are sharing the stories of first-generation students, including several Steppingstone Scholars [program participants] who are applying to or already in college, as well as four students from Penn who have traversed the process,” said Dr. Sean Vereen, president of Steppingstone, in a statement.
Vereen and Eric Furda, dean of admissions at Penn, will be teaching the online course, which recommends a commitment of two to three hours a week from students.
Check out the syllabus and any other information about the course here.
-30-From our Partners
Better together: Creating impact and equity through partnerships
This summit will explore innovative ways to invest in the future of work(ers)
Four years in, rescue app Food Connect has grown enough to become its founder’s full-time job
Generocity Philly
Meet Kim Andrews, new executive director for The Fund for Women and Girls

Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project (YSRP)
Director of Development and Communications
Apply NowCriminal justice, media literacy: Lenfest just announced its first collaboration grantees
This $3M partnership between Philly funders prioritizes collaboration over competition
‘Being thorough is being sustainable’: The South Philly Food Co-op story
Generocity Philly
Be the leader to bring a 26-year mission into the future in Chester County
Young Audiences NJ and Eastern PA
Arts Education Administrator (Hybrid)
Apply Now
Regional Housing Legal Services
Staff Attorney, Housing Development Legal Services
Apply Now
More Information