Today, a college degree is almost a necessity for success in many fields. Yet for some academically gifted students, higher education is a dream that will not be fulfilled, due to severe financial constraints.

We know that there are many students in Philadelphia who would excel at Drexel, but cannot enroll at the University because of significant financial need. Scholarships and federal aid are not as plentiful as they once were. The University wants to give these students a chance to further their education and I am proud to announce that we will do so with our new Drexel Liberty Scholars program.

For the next five years, beginning with the 2010-11 academic year, 50 graduates per year from Philadelphia public, archdiocesan, preparatory and charter high schools will receive full-tuition Drexel scholarships. The Drexel Liberty Scholars will be selected from among accepted students based on academic achievement and significant financial need as well as a scholarship application and essay.

The University will not only offer our Liberty Scholars the opportunity to earn their degrees, we will also give these students the tools to make their experience at Drexel as rewarding as possible. Students will live on campus and have mentors to help them immerse themselves in the college environment and achieve their full potential.

The Drexel Liberty Scholars Program is one more way the University is demonstrating its commitment to Philadelphia, by helping to keep some of the city’s top students at home. I applaud Senior Vice President Joan McDonald and the Enrollment Management team for developing the program and for opening the doors to a college degree to more outstanding Philadelphia students. I am looking forward to welcoming our first Drexel Liberty Scholars to campus this year and to following their academic success in the coming years.

C.R. "Chuck" Pennoni Interim President