PAL College and Alternatives Fair

PAL’s “What to Do After High School and How to Pay for it” Fair
PAL high school seniors, juniors, sophomores and their parents from all over Philadelphia came together on March 29th at Harrowgate PAL for a panel discussion about what to do after high school and how to pay for it. Representatives from the Community College of Philadelphia, PhillyGoes2College, Temple University and AmeriCorps spoke to the students about the options and possibilities available to them after they graduate.

Michael Harry, from the Office of Admissions at the Community College of Philadelphia informed students of the admission process and ways to start narrowing down the options for college and trade school now.

Jim Skene from Temple University’s Office of Student Financial Services spoke to the students and parents about the two most important acronyms when paying for higher education: FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency). Mr. Skene inspired students to search and apply for as many scholarships as possible.

Edisa Rodriguez from PhillyGoes2College addressed the additional opportunities that colleges and universities have to offer, such as athletics and organized clubs. She also explained the importance of choosing a major, and reminded students to keep their eye on the prize- graduating and getting a diploma.

Additionally, students were invited to explore the possibility of dedicating a year to service through various AmeriCorps programs.

Informational brochures from 45 area schools, AmeriCorps programs and military branches were available to all attendees. Students also received SAT Prep Study Guide books, graphing calculators and 2012 College Board Handbooks. PAL thanks all presenters for providing priceless knowledge to the soon-to-be PAL graduates!

Lockheed Martin PAL Day at City Hall

Future Leaders Run City of Philadelphia for a Day

PHILADELPHIA, PA – February 28, 2011 -Twenty-six deserving PAL students who have achieved success both in school and in their PAL centers were rewarded for their hard work, dedication and efforts. Lockheed Martin PAL Day at City Hall, a 40-year tradition in Philadelphia, took place on February 28, 2011. Joey Bozzelli, a Gibbons PAL youngster who was selected to be PAL Mayor for the day, has been involved with PAL since he was a child and has participated in all that PAL has to offer. The 26 PAL students were then transported to City Hall where they met with their Government Representatives and were appointed their positions for the day Mayor Nutter spoke to the youth, congratulated them on their achievements and let them know they had their work cut out for them. Nutter’s speech was followed by Bozzelli’s speech, which focused on the wonderful opportunities that PAL provides for youth and echoed Nutter’s sentiments of congratulations. Bozzelli also encouraged all youth to get involved with PAL, mentioning that he doesn’t know what he would have done without PAL.

Following Bozzelli’s speech, the students took the Oath of Office and were called up individually with their representative to be recognized for their accomplishments. Nutter spoke personally with each of the “new government officials” and presented them with a glass plaque commemorating the occasion. Jokingly, Nutter asked the new head of the Philadelphia Parking authority to “help him out with a few old tickets.”

After a meet-and-greet lunch, students were off to work for the day, tackling real issues and running the City Government. PAL Day at City Hall was a huge success, and PAL’s youth constituency deserve to be commended for a job well done. Thanks to Lockheed Martin Corporation for sponsoring this wonderful event, the City of Philadelphia for its partnership with PAL and Charming Shoppes, Inc. and Tate’s Menswear for providing the young women and men with business attire for the day.