CORE PROGRAMS

The Brook J. Lenfest Foundation has committed significant resources to a few core program activities:

The program covers room, board and expenses such as books, computers, essentials for dorm living, while simultaneously leveraging an extensive support system for participants. Supports include academic advising, a summer bridge program, housing and meals during school breaks, financial and money management guidance and a designated liaison at each school. 

Scholars will be funded at: Harcum College, Penn College of Technology, Penn State, and West Chester University.

To be eligible, applicants must have been served by the Philadelphia Department of Human Services at any time since age 16, earned a high school degree or GED and must qualify under the Chafee federal grant program for foster care participants.

Mastery Charter Schools is a high-quality Philadelphia and Camden based charter school network whose mission is to ensure all students learn the academic and personal skills they need to succeed in higher education, compete in the global economy, and pursue their dreams.

These scholarship programs are operated by the universities with funding from endowments established by The Brook J. Lenfest Foundation. These scholarships provide significant financial aid and mentoring for students attending Penn State University Park and Temple University. Eligibility is based on demonstrated financial need and Federal Pell Grant eligibility as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

First preference will be given to students who graduate from one of the Mastery Charter high schools or who participate in the Heights Philadelphia program. Second preference will be given to students who graduate from a public high school in the School District of Philadelphia. For more information, please contact Roberta Milillo or Anita Leone in the Penn State Office of Student Aid at 814-863-5857.  Morgan H. Okello, Senior Director, Office of Scholars Programs Email: scholarsprograms@psu.edu

What ALICE data makes clear is that far too many people do not earn enough to afford the basic necessities of life. Many also encounter the “benefits cliff” because they earn too much to receive government assistance. ALICE workers are service employees, receptionists, caregivers and seasonal workers. We are committed to raising awareness of ALICE and the true cost of meeting basic needs.

GRANTMAKING

Brook J. Lenfest Foundation is primarily interested in education and job training programs that successfully prepare participants to earn at least a lower middle-class, family sustaining income over the course of their working lifetimes.

Organizations with program evaluations that show direct cause and effect and compare results against control or peer groups are preferred. The foundation is more likely to fund organizations that get great results, help a large number of people and operate efficiently on a cost per person served basis.