Stay Up To Date With CSFP
Check out news, notes, and publications that illustrate CSFP’s mission in action.
CSFP again commissioned an outside evaluation firm, QREM, to review standardized test scores for the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 academic years for CSFP students. The evaluation reviewed 4th and 7th grade Math and Reading/English Language Arts (ELA) standardized test scores and compared them to other students within CSFP schools, as well as public and charter school students. The report shows that CSFP students outperform their peers. We invite you to read the full report below. Download
In 2026, CSFP will celebrate 25 years of providing academic scholarships to under-resourced Philadelphia Kindergarten – 8th grade students and families. Since 2001, we have served more than 30,000 students and we are excited to spend 2026 sharing our impact, highlighting alumni success stories, demonstrating our progress, and planning for the future. Our key 25th anniversary initiatives include: Fresh Perspectives Student Art Showcase CSFP will host a Student Art Showcase at Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) designed to share student reflections on America’s 250th Birthday. This installation will feature the original work of selected CSFP scholars to share their perspective with Philadelphia and all of its visitors. The showcase launches with a reception for students, families, and CSFP supporters in late June, and the installation will...
PHILADELPHIA – Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP) welcomes two new members to the organization’s Board of Directors. Marcia Zaruba O’Connor and David Landskroner joined CSFP in January to govern the organization and advance its mission over the next three years. CSFP is thrilled to be joined by individuals with knowledge, expertise, and passion for the organization’s mission. Marcia Zaruba O’Connor is the Founder and CEO of The O’Connor Group, a premier firm specializing in outsourced Human Resources and Recruitment-as-a-Service for small and mid-sized companies across Professional Services, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Information Technology, and Manufacturing. In 2026, she launched 57th Street Partners, a boutique executive search firm connecting top-level executives with transformative opportunities...
City Council, in partnership with Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia, announces a new program to provide summer camp opportunities to Philadelphia families. PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia City Councilmember Dr. Anthony A. Phillips (9th District) hosted a press conference on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Legacy Youth Tennis and Education’s LEGACY Center in East Falls to announce the launch of the Youth Access to Opportunities Grant (YAOG) program. The Youth Access Program is funded by Philadelphia City Council, championed by Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips and administered by Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP). The program is designed to help Philadelphia families connect their children to meaningful experiences by offsetting the cost of participating in camp programs—such as sports, arts, and academic enrichment—that support personal growth, confidence and community engagement. Up to three children per family can apply...
CSFP’s President & CEO, Keisha Jordan, spoke with Stateline to discuss the new federal tax credit program and how opting in could benefitPhiladelphia families. This piece provides more detail on the growth of school choice in other states, and Keisha highlights the critical need for school choice funding in Pennsylvania. “Jordan argues the new federal tax credit could help close that gap. “The demand is here,” she said. “Pennsylvania taxpayers will participate, but their money could go to another state. Why not keep it here?” Read the full piece now.
CSFP holds Lottery Day, notifying Philadelphia families of their children’s scholarships PHILADELPHIA, PA – Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP), Pennsylvania’s largest and most diverse K-8th grade scholarship program, held its annual Lottery Day on December 17th at URBN’s headquarters in South Philadelphia. Dozens of CSFP staff, parent ambassadors, volunteers, and sponsors gathered to share the good news with scholarship recipients. “Every child deserves access to an education that helps them reach their full potential, and that begins with empowering parents to make the choice that’s right for their family,” said Keisha Jordan, President and CEO of Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia....
Did you know that individuals and corporations with PA tax liability can receive EITC/OSTC credits by participating in a tax credit program? CSFP developed this informational video to share more information about the the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, as well as how it works. Watch now! You can support CSFP and impact the education of thousands of Philadelphia students through EITC/OSTC. Contact CSFP to transform your tax dollars today!
Event connects Philadelphia families with resources and a guide to scholarship opportunities ahead of the November 15 Application Deadline On November 8th, Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP) hosted its annual Partner School Fair for families interested in exploring private school options in CSFP’s network. Attendees will meet CSFP staff, connect with partner schools, and receive guidance on the scholarship application process. The event includes complimentary food, raffles, school supplies, and CSFP swag. The annual fair helps families navigate school selection and scholarship applications while connecting them to resources that ensure every child can attend the school that best fits their needs. When: Saturday, November 8, 2025, 10:00 a.m. –...
New scholarships open to Philadelphia families, providing access to high-quality, tuition-based schools PHILADELPHIA – Today, Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP), the largest and most diverse K-8th grade scholarship program in Pennsylvania, has opened its 2026-2027 scholarship lottery application. CSFP is a privately funded program that provides financial access to students from under-resourced Philadelphia families, ensuring that they have access to high-quality, tuition-based schools, despite income or zip code. The application is open through March 1, 2026, though families are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline on November 15th, for the best chance of selection. Families selected through the priority...
On Tuesday, May 27th, Keisha joined Lorik Bulukraqi from the Are You Happy Podcast to share more information about CSFP, her journey, and our impact. Keisha Jordan speaking with Lorik from the Are You Happy Podcast. Listen to the podcast now
CSFP staff and families celebrated the graduating class completing the program and entering high school with a Philly-filled day PHILADELPHIA, PA – On Sunday, May 18th, Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP) celebrated its graduating 8th grade students with a special CSFP Day at the Ballpark as the Philadelphia Phillies took on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Five hundred CSFP students and family members attended the event, which included lunch and a pre-game reception at Xfinity Live!, as well as the honor of having 8th-grade scholarship graduate, Kahlil, throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The event was sponsored by Fulton Bank and Stradley...
PHILADELPHIA – Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP) welcomes two new members to the organization’s Board of Directors. Ricky Liss and Zeke James join CSFP and will be charged with overseeing the organization and advancing its mission for the future. Board members serve three-year terms. CSFP is thrilled to have such respected and knowledgeable individuals join our efforts and guide the organization. Ricky Liss: Ricky is the founder and managing partner of Liss & Marion, P.C., a successful regional law firm. In addition to his law practice, Ricky is a co-founder of and General Counsel for Hightop Real Estate and Development...
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