Lottery winner Shekilah Jerry, a data entry clerk for the Philadelphia Water Department, joined thousands of others as she celebrated the selection of her three children in last week’s computerized random lottery by Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia. “We were ecstatic,” said Jerry, “We jumped up and screamed, gave each other hugs. This is a great opportunity. It’s wonderful.”

A stunned Philadelphia parent said “Thank you,” through tears. “Thank you so much.” This was Angela’s reaction upon learning some great news by phone the other night. Her two sons were among 2,000 new winners selected from CSFP’s random lottery for K-8th grade scholarships. Starting next school year, the boys will be able to attend…

“Hello, I’m calling from CSFP, and I’d like to tell you that your child has been selected from our random lottery. Your family has won a K-8th grade scholarship for up to three children. Congratulations!” Hundreds of parents received similar calls last night as CSFP donors, volunteers, and current CSFP parents gathered at Franklin Square…

On February 25, CSFP donor Chapman Auto Stores joined staff for a tour of great partner school, St. Katherine of Siena. Visitors were greeted by students and school staff, and were able to witness firsthand the effects of a CSFP scholarship. The Northeast Times photographed the visit.

On February 27 and 28, hundreds of families joined CSFP at the Academy of the Natural Sciences of Drexel University to partake in CSFP’s 11th annual Weekend at the Academy. CSFP families gained access to the museum and special exhibits for a significantly-reduced admission rate, and took part in activities throughout the day. This successful…

CSFP’s scholarship lottery closes soon. The Jewish Exponent covers our application process and impact on Jewish day schools in the area, in this article. “[CSFP is] a major plus for us, for our families,” said Besie Katz, head of school at Politz Hebrew Academy. “Families for whom sending [their kids] to a Jewish day school is not an option — they struggle and sacrifice for much. It allows them to send children while relieving some of the burden.”

A lot can happen by chance: CSFP scholarships, for example, are distributed by random lottery. Yet the winners of these K-8th grade scholarships (and their families) put in the hard work necessary to succeed at their chosen schools. The hard work and perseverance that our parents and children demonstrate, once given this scholarship opportunity to…

CSFP ED Ina Lipman joined Lorraine Ballard-Morrill for an interview that aired across iHeartMedia stations on February 7. Listen as they discuss scholarship applications, requirements, and the necessity of CSFP’s program.

On February 7, CSFP families from across the city visited Dilworth Park’s Rothman Rink for a day full of winter activities as part of CSFP’s SuperSkate Sunday event. One hundred children and their families enjoyed ice skating and hot cocoa. During the event, families also participated in arts & crafts provided by CSFP and science…

Ina Lipman, Executive Director of CSFP, explains what parents and children need to do to apply for a scholarship to help them attend tuition-based schools in our area. Click here to watch.