State wide Programs
Give Something Back Foundation
(Pennsylvania Scholars)
Available to Pennsylvania residents who are Pell-eligible and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students must enroll in ninth grade by attending an information session, completing the College Cost Estimator, attending a Turn Back Night, and completing the online application. The Promise covers four or more semesters and can be used at Williamson College of the Trades or West Chester University or a vocational award or for the general education requirements needed for an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, the Promise provides support including textbook vouchers, housing assistance, career services, financial education, mentoring, and counseling. Must enroll full time to receive the Promise.
For more information visit
giveback.ngo/pennsylvania-scholars
Contact Information
(888) 383-9877
The Octavius Catto Scholarship
Available to first-time, full-time college students of the Community College of Philadelphia who are graduates of a Philadelphia high school, PA cyber charter, or homeschool program, and were Philadelphia residents for at least 12 months. Students must complete the FAFSA and document an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) below $8,000, as well as meet predetermined college readiness requirements. The Promise provides last-dollar funding for up to three years for a vocational award or for the general education requirements needed for an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, the Promise provides various academic resources and services, such as support toward the cost of books, food, transportation, career coaches and advisors, and connection to existing resources like affordable housing, childcare, and other services.
For more information visit
Contact Information
(215) 751-8000
Local Programs
Pittsburgh Promise
available to students who are enrolled in a Pittsburgh Public School, or one of its charters, continuously, since at least the beginning of ninth grade. They must be residents of the City of Pittsburgh, continuously since at least the beginning of ninth grade, must maintain a minimum of 2.5 GPA, and a minimum attendance record of 90%. If students have a GPA of 2.0-2.49 and thus do not meet the GPA requirement, they are eligible to enroll in The Promise Extension Program at CCAC. There, they must complete nine credits per semester and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. Students who complete a full year in the Extension Program become fully Promise eligible. The Promise covers four or more semesters and can be used at any accredited college, university, or trade and technical school in Pennsylvania for a vocational award or for the general education requirements needed for an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, the Promise provides support in career services and books.
For more information visit
Contact information
(412) 281-7605