Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia, a K-8th grade scholarship program, held its annual Lottery Day on Dec. 17 at URBN’s headquarters in the Navy Yard. 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 CSFP. “Each scholarship is an investment in a child’s future and our city’s future. We’re grateful to our sponsors and volunteers for making this event possible.”
Sponsors included DJS Associates, Janney Montgomery Scott, Amerihealth Caritas, the Commonwealth Foundation, MarchForward and Wawa.
Each year, thousands of families apply for CSFP scholarships, and new scholarship recipients are chosen through a random lottery process. These need-based partial scholarships, which range from $1,250 to $3,350, can be used at more than 150 private and parochial schools throughout the Philadelphia area. All participating CSFP scholars receive support through the completion of 8th grade. The average scholarship award has increased by more than $500 since the launch of the Breaking Barriers Campaign in 2022.
“I know firsthand from my 15 years leading Gesu School that you have to get the foundation first at an early age. CSFP recognizes the importance of early education and helps prepare students to succeed,” said Bryan Carter, president and CEO of Gesu School, which has partnered with CSFP since the organization’s founding.
In 2026, CSFP will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Since its founding in 2001, the organization has awarded more than $150 million in funding to more than 30,000 students. For the 2025-26 school year, the organization anticipates its total scholarship payment to exceed $17 million. ••
