Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education Foundation

The mission of the passhe Foundation is to support student success and university excellence. In support of student success, the Foundation secures funds for and manages programs awarding scholarships that are need-based, industry focused, and academically comptetitive to students attending the 10 universities of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education. During the 2022-23 fiscal year, the Foundation awarded 567 scholarships totaling 829,117. These scholarships improve access to and affordability of Higher Education, ensuring students persistent through to graduation and attain a degree. One-third of the State System's students come from low-income households. A similar percentage are the first generation in their families to go to college. The Foundation's scholarship program not only reduces the cost burden of a post-secondary Education but also reduces their student loan debt. State System students fuel pa's economic vitality. Ten years after graduation, 75% of low-income students have moved into middle class and thus achieved economic mobility and 63% remain working in pa.

In support of university excellence, the Foundation identifies and acquires resources to support system-wide initiatives and multi-campus initiatives. During the 2022-23 year, the Foundation secured sponsorships to promote 1)entrepreneurship via the State System's student business start-up challenge and 2)diversity, inclusion, and equity via the State System's dei summit. In addition, the Foundation disbursed funds to prevent drug and alcohol abuse via a pccd grant, workforce development for adult learners in multiple industries, and Washington center internships for students pursuing careers in public service.