Daily Archives: April 7, 2009

The best thing about Philadelphia is that there’s a nonprofit for almost everything. Want art lessons but can’t afford ‘em? There’s a nonprofit for that. Learning English as a second language? There’s a nonprofit for that. In addiction recovery? There’s a nonprofit for that.

Best thing in the world is discovering a nonprofit  you’d never heard of before.

A month ago I wrote the following for a scholarship application.

“It’s 4:45 PM on a weekday. I’m in the Olney public library, just blocks from my house. Two students who receive free tutoring from my employer, the Philadelphia School District, just canceled and the third is late. My first-grader comes in and gives me a hug. His mother apologizes. Midway through reading, my first grader abruptly says, “I don’t think I’ll ever go to college.” I stare at him, stunned, but not surprised. Working with Philadelphia students for five years has taught me that the biggest challenge confronting students is not fiscal constraints, but a cultural attitude that devalues the pursuit of higher education.”

I go on to suggest mentoring relationships between professionals and students in Philadelphia public high schools.

And then thanks to my friend Eric, I realized there’s a nonprofit for that!

Philadelphia Futures.

So if you haven’t already, think about becoming a mentor to a college-bound, Philadelphia public high school student.

It’ll be fun. Yo, you gotta pay it forward Philly.