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 deadline will be notified in December. The remaining families, not selected through the priority lottery, will be notified in mid-April.
“Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting our current families, while also welcoming new families into our community,” said Keisha Jordan, President & CEO at Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia. “The demand for quality, safe education continues to grow throughout Philadelphia, and we are deeply grateful to our donors and families who make this transformative work possible. Every scholarship represents an opportunity to break down barriers and ensure that all children have access to the education they deserve.”
Beyond tuition-based scholarships, Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia offers resources for families. CSFP families gain access to school selection support, events hosted at cultural institutions, and the opportunity to receive funding to attend summer camps.
The average scholarship was $2,320 during the 2024-2025 school year, with a prospective maximum award amount of $3,350, distributed to over 6,500 students. Because CSFP believes education is personal, the organization partners with over 150 diverse schools to ensure every student can access the school that best fits their unique needs.
To be eligible for a CSFP scholarship, families must be residents of Philadelphia with children in kindergarten through 8th grade and meet household income guidelines. Students who are selected in the lottery will receive a scholarship through 8th grade, if all eligibility requirements are met. Up to three children per family, per year, can receive a scholarship.
To learn more about Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia and apply for the 2026-2027 scholarship lottery, visit www.csfphiladelphia.org/apply.
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About CSFP
Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP) changes lives by providing scholarship funding for Philadelphia families to choose a tuition-based school that meets their student’s educational needs. It is the largest and most diverse provider of Pre-K-8th scholarship support in Pennsylvania, focusing on the highest-need students in the lowest-achieving schools in the city. During the 2024-25 school year, CSFP awarded more than 6,500 scholarships for K-8th grade students enrolled at nearly 150 area tuition-based schools. CSFP scholarships are all need-based and awarded by random lottery. To learn more and support our efforts, please visit www.csfphiladelphia.org.