On Saturday, October 26, Community College of Philadelphia students Jabril Gregory and Jasmine Rozario were selected to move forward to the next round of The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (American250PA) Direct Effect Innovation Challenge.

This three-round competition began throughout the state on October 1, and will culminate on November 19, at the Wilkes-Barre Connect conference. After designing and pitching a marketing campaign that integrates technology and direct mail advertising, the winning team will walk away as the creators of America250PA’s direct mail marketing campaign roll-out.

Gregory is a Business – General major with an interest in marketing and Rozario is an International Studies major with an interest in international business. For the two of them, the road to Wilkes-Barre began as a College-wide initiative, where student groups came together for a design-thinking seminar, collective brainstorming session and team-based campaign creation. Community leaders Allie Bassman, head of talent development at Saxbys Coffee, Greg DeShields, executive director at PHL Diversity, Suzanne Geyer, associate executive director at the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association and Dave Sawyer, account executive at Entercom, served as mentors for students at the event.

After being selected to move on from the College’s campus-wide competition, Gregory and Rozario pitched their campaign at Jefferson University on October 26.  Now developing and further refining their idea, with the goal of executing the campaigns and tracking its results, Gregory and Rozario will compete live on stage at the final round of the DEIC and pitch their ad campaign to Governor Tom Wolf, PA Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera, and the U.S. Postal Service.

After November 19, the winning team will partner with industry leaders to see their plan to fruition. The winning team will compete at the National Postal Forum 2020 in Orlando, Florida. The National Postal Forum is the largest printing and mail industry trade show in the country, and hosts over 4,000 industry leaders and professionals annually. 

The DEIC is a statewide series of competitions designed by the U.S. Postal Service to “provide an experiential learning opportunity for students and instructors.”

America250PA was created in 2018 by Governor Wolf and The Pennsylvania General Assembly. The commission will “plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.” America250PA’s goal is to use this nation-wide semiquincentennial celebration to highlight “Pennsylvania’s central role in America’s past, present, and future.”

On Thursday, October 10, Community College of Philadelphia held its fourth annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Students, faculty and staff organized a series of four events, which brought to campus the narratives of human trafficking victims, as well as the expertise of those who work in the field.

Standing nearly 70 strong on the steps of the Mint Building at 11 a.m., students faculty and staff, took part in a “Human Trafficking Awareness: Break the Chains” demonstration.

“Today we want to talk about breaking the chains and bringing awareness because people think it’s everywhere else, not in this country, but it’s happening [everywhere],” said Sociology professor Nicole Vadino, who helped to organize the day’s events, along with faculty and staff Faye Allard, Edite Burnbaum, Rosetta Robinson, Ari Bank, Deirdre Garrity-Benjamin and William Love.

Leading a call and response chant, Vadino cried “Stop human trafficking!” while demonstrators replied, “Do something now!”

Afterward, the demonstrators held a moment of silence, which lasted exactly 26 seconds. Why 26 seconds? Because, Vadino explained, “every 26 seconds someone is trafficked.”

Demonstrators held up handmade posters which displayed powerful quotes and messages. Linking everyone together was a long yellow chain representing the victimization, subjugation and exploitation that we all must work together to shatter.

Stories from those in the Field

The Great Hall was standing room only for the third event of the day, “Stories from Those in the Field.” Philadelphia Family Court Judge Lori Dumas, Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller and Melany Nelson sat on a panel to discuss the impact of human trafficking on legal, social and support systems in Philadelphia.

Each expert began by telling her own story of how she first became involved in the fight against human trafficking in Philadelphia.

After traveling to aid in the fight against human trafficking overseas, Waller joined the Philadelphia Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition in 2009, and in 2011 started “She’s My Sister”, the Anti-Human Trafficking Ministry of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. Through She’s My Sister, Waller partners with organizations like the Salvation Army and Covenant House to spread awareness and raise money to end human trafficking and support victims here in Philadelphia.

Dumas explained that her work within the Philadelphia Court system began with Waller’s ministry at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. She went on to create the Working to Restore Adolescents’ Power (WRAP) program within the Philadelphia Court system. One of the first of its kind in the United States, WRAP diverts children towards the child welfare system rather than the adjudicatory system when the crimes committed are a direct result of their sexual exploitation. She also travels to different jurisdictions to help other courts develop similar programs.

Melany Nelson is the Executive Director of Northwest Victims Services (NWVS) in Philadelphia, and has been involved in the organization for more than 27 years. With NWVS, Melany helps victims of assault, homicide, robbery, etc., with unpaid medical bills, lost time from work, funeral expenses, counseling, relocation, appearance in court and anything else with which victims require assistance. Nelson also played a huge role in making this event possible.

Dumas, Waller and Nelson discussed a number of common misconceptions and oversights which prevent society as a whole from understanding that human trafficking has roots in our own communities and in each of our individual lives.

“One of the things that people tend to do is shy away from the issue of human trafficking for a number of reasons. A: nobody wants to believe it really happens, B: because if we’re honest, every single one of us somehow participates in the need for the exploitation of others.” said Waller. She encouraged audience members to go to slaveryfootprint.org, where there is a quiz which gives users an estimate of just how many human trafficking victims are being exploited by the systems which support their lifestyle.

According to Waller, there is also lack of visibility and recognition for what victims of human trafficking look like within our community. Citing movies like Taken, she described how the media’s depiction of human trafficking portrays victimization as “someone randomly being snatched.”

It isn’t uncommon for the mainstream media to portray some of the darker issues within society through a single perspective, and human trafficking is no exception. Waller explained, “We tend to only care when she looks like [the woman in Taken]. So we’ll be real, if she is white and affluent, we care. If she is brown or black and struggling, it’s ‘those fast brown and black girls’. We’ve got to break the mold of pretending, A: that it doesn’t happen and B: that victims aren’t victims regardless of where they come from.”

Contrary to the plot of Taken, the panel experts explained that human trafficking is often perpetrated by someone who is not a stranger to the victim. Because of the coercive nature of those who perpetuate human trafficking, victims are often unaware of the fact that they are being abused, or accept abuse because the perpetrator claims to hold their best interest.

Men and boys are often overlooked as victims as well. Waller stated that because our society often tells boys and men that they are expected to seek out sexual exchanges, they often have a more difficult time identifying that they are being abused or seeking help.

As age-old as the issue of human trafficking is, Philadelphia courts had never seen a conviction for adult sex-trafficking crimes until this past August.

Dumas described another hurdle in identifying human trafficking victims, saying “There was a time when a lot of our victims weren’t seen as victims. We have a lot of kids [in WRAP] who were also there because they had committed a crime…well they were victims in my eyes because they were human trafficking victims, but in the [eyes of the] system they were not…so even if they had committed a crime against someone who was abusing them or trafficking them, it didn’t matter. They weren’t able to benefit from services or from funding because they weren’t [considered] victims. So we’ve come a long way as a jurisdiction, and now they can receive services.”

The panel of experts encouraged young people to resist the idea that they are powerless in the fight against human trafficking, and to use whatever resources they have access to as a vehicle for spreading awareness. Highlighting things that people can do other than donate money, Waller told the audience; “use your social media to talk about it, figure out ways to use these different [methods] to talk about it amongst your friends.”

As shown through their dedication to public education and policy reform, the panel experts made it clear that prevention and restorative justice lie at the core of their work.

As a part of her ministry, Waller hosts events that bring educational materials like the documentary Stopping Traffic to her community. She encourages parents to begin talking to their children as soon as they reach an appropriate age, and believes that “one of the most important things that prevent children from becoming victimized is an open relationship with a parent”. She also advocates for parents to keep a close eye on the online activity of their teens and children.

According to the 2019 Trafficking in Persons report issued by the U.S. Government, “victims originate from almost every region of the world; the top three countries of origin of federally identified victims in FY 2018 were the United States, Mexico and the Philippines.” By spreading stories and educational information, the College’s fourth annual Human Trafficking awareness day reminded students, faculty and staff that the issue of human trafficking is as misunderstood as it is persistent. A victim of human trafficking could be your neighbor, your friend, your classmate, your student or your relative. The events on Human Trafficking Awareness day made clear the fact that we are all responsible for educating ourselves and those around us about the dangers and realities of human trafficking.

To learn more about anti-human trafficking efforts in Philadelphia, you can access information online through the Philadelphia Anti-Trafficking Coalition.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888.

Eleven track and field athletes from Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) captured All-America honors for the 2019 NJCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field season, according to the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

CCP athletes who received All-America honors include: Jamail Khan, Christian Nuelle, Sean Ringgold, Kory Wharton, Donoven Cook, Elizabeth Chukwuezi, Jada Erwin, Maisha Hutchins-Colema, Tianna Jeffcoa, Aleah Langley and Jazmin Vasquez Lopez. These student athletes earned USTFCCCA All-America honors by virtue of finishing among the top-eight of their respective events at the 2019 NJCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships, which was held this past May in Utica, New York.

“They work really hard,” said Robert Taylor, who coaches the men’s and women’s track and field and cross country teams at the College. “They begin as early as August and practice two hours per day, averaging four days a week. This is a very big commitment for these commuter athletes. They don’t live on campus, so they have to commute. A lot of them also have jobs. “

Many of the College's track and field athletes also participate in cross country during the fall semester. This past academic year, the cross country women’s team won the Eastern Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (EPAC) conference title. The men’s team placed fourth. Taylor, a former CCP track star himself, said that the schedule allows athletes to gain a competitive advantage and mental toughness: “They love the sport. They love competing and they love working together as a team.”

During the 2019 NJCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships, the women’s track and field team had an impressive showing. Erwin, Chukwuezi, Hutchins-Colema and Langley each received three All-America honors in various events.

Even in the light of victory, the journey to nationals was not an easy path for many of the student athelets—athletes like Hutchins-Colema. Growing up, Hutchins-Colema ran indoor and outdoor track and field during high school and her freshman year in college at a DII school. Due to circumstances, Hutchins-Colema was forced to stop running. After transferring to CCP and refocusing solely on academics, Hutchins-Colema still frequented the school's gym to relieve stress. It was there that she met Ringgold. 

"Sean [Ringgold] saw me work out and suggested I join the track team," said Hutchins-Colema, who will be attending Temple University in the fall through the College's Health Professions dual enrollment program. "Coming from a background of running and considering how long it had been since I trained, I just knew I was no fit for any track team. I was terribly out of shape! I felt like I needed months of training to get back to where I was."

Despite all of the challenges, including an overloaded schedule, Hutchins-Colema decided to put her running shoes back on. Crediting the coaches at the Athletics Center for their encouragement, support and patience, Hutchins-Colema was able to complete her first two meets with qualifying times for nationals: "Through the support of my team and coaches at CCP, I had the confidence to go out and perform my best even when my body wasn't at its best."

And perform, she did. Hutchins-Colema earned three All-America honors in the 4x100 relay, 800m and 4x400 relay, an accomplishment she views through the lens of a Community College of Philadelphia student.

"I felt as if being a part of the track team and making it all the way to nationals really allowed me to embody the mental and physical journey of resilience that every CCP student showcases," said Hutchins-Colema, who wants to become a physical therapist. "Almost every single student at CCP has a back story and/or life story that isn't just free to focus on school as much as they would like, but despite that, with hard work and dedication, each [CCP student] gets the job done!"

Ringgold, the student who convinced Hutchins-Colema to get back on the track, also won three All-American honors on the men's team. Wharton won two All-America honors. 

Ringgold, who led the team, ranked 16th in the 200m but finished in second place, breaking a personal and school record of 22.03 (previously held by Coach Taylor) with a wind-aided time of 21.91. He was also ranked seventh in the 400m and finished second with a personal best of 49.79. After the championships, Ringgold was named the Eastern Pennsylvania Athletic Conference Athlete of the Week, Region XIX.

In addition, Ringgold, Wharton, Nuelle and Khan placed fourth in the 4X400 team meet. Khan, a student in the College's Liberal Arts - Honors program, celebrated not only his athletic award, but also his acceptance into Swarthmore College.

Overall, the men's team surpassed expectations at the championships, ranking 16th out of 28 schools but finishing in eighth place.

"Going to nationals was amazing and earning medal with my team was the most satisfying, because we worked hard together all year, so being able to share that with them meant a lot after training together day after day," said Nuelle, who will be participating in cross country this fall. 

As yet another successful sports season at CCP has come to its close, Hutchins-Colema reflected on how the College and its athletics program has influenced and inspired her.

"CCP is not just a community college to me, but an institution that gave me hope within myself as a student, as an athlete, but, most importantly, as a person," she said. "I am proud to say that I was one of the last Colonials to run for CCP and be able to represent CCP on and off the track."

CCP Men’s Team Results:

Athletes receiving All-America honors and their events.

Women’s Team Results

Athletes receiving All America Honors and their events.

Among the 1,881 candidates for Community College of Philadelphia’s (CCP) 53^rd Commencement on May 4, six were high school students from the 2019 senior class at Mathematics, Science and Technology (MaST) Community Charter School.

A part of the second cohort to graduate under MC², a special dual enrollment program created through a partnership between MaST and CCP in 2015, Nadeen Al-Saleem, Gilbert Drutsky, Marta Gorstka, William Hartner, Shiv Patel and Sara Wolfenden graduated with associate degrees from CCP. The six seniors, who are now CCP alumni, will complete high school and graduate from MaST on June 14.

“I think it’s an amazing experience,” said Al-Saleem, who credits MC² with helping her win the Liberty Scholarship, which will cover full tuition and board at Drexel University.  “I know they’re super selective for who they chose for [the Liberty Scholarship], and when I said I was going to graduate with my associate’s, I’m sure they thought, ‘Wow, that’s amazing.’”

The MaST high school students entered the dual enrollment program as sophomores, taking a combination of college-level courses, alongside their high school classes. When they enter college, they will not only have a high school diploma, but also 60 college credits and an Associate Degree in Business or Health Care.

“I could have my bachelor’s degree by the time I’m 20,” said William Hartner, a graduate from the MC² program who was accepted to both Duquesne University and Temple University for political science. “The two-year head-start really does help out a lot and it will save me financially too. Being here is a different experience from high school. It's different classes, so that prepares me for whatever college I do decide to attend.”

Programs, such as MC², provide an accelerated career track for Philadelphia’s motivated and talented high school students. As more local students begin taking college classes during their high school years, Philadelphia will be able to develop a more knowledgeable and skilled workforce.

“The MaST and Community College of Philadelphia partnership has connected our students with a unique and valuable opportunity that most high school students are not given,” said John Swoyer, CEO of MaST. 

During a recent academic year, the College had more than 1,400 high school students taking college classes. In addition, CCP announced on May 9 that it will begin another dual enrollment program with John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School, scheduled to commence with two cohorts for the 2019-2020 school year.

 “Our dual enrollment programs provide an accelerated career track for Philadelphia youth allowing them the opportunity to explore academic paths leading to a College degree and to enter the workforce more quickly,” said Dr. Donald Guy Generals, president of the College. “The regional workforce benefits as the city increases the college-going rate.”

To learn more about high school student programs offered at Community College of Philadelphia.

A new dual enrollment program, the "100 Steps" program, was announced between Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) and John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School on May 9 at the all-girls high school. Named for the mere 100-step distance between the two academic campuses, the program will provide the opportunity for the girls to simultaneously earn a high school diploma from Hallahan High School and an associate degree from CCP.

“Research has shown that dual enrollment programs and early college programs for high school students work,” said Dr. Guy Generals, president of Community College of Philadelphia. “They, in fact, enable students to get a head start on their college education [and] enable them to save an incredible amount of money.”

A first-of-its-kind partnership for a high school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the program will commence with two cohorts for the 2019-2020 school year. Students from the class of 2023 will enter either the Health Care Studies or Business program, and a few selected students from the class of 2022 will enter the Business program. The inaugural class of 100 Steps will complete a five-week, first-year experience course at CCP this summer.

“By looking forward into what education in tomorrow’s world will look like, the vision to promote joint and expanded learning opportunities ... will guarantee that Hallahan produces graduates of purpose and vision and leads the way for a bright future for all,” said Denise Kassekert, president of Hallahan High School.

Work on the collaboration began back in November of 2017. Over that time, joint faculty and administration have ensured a comprehensive and academically rigorous curriculum that splits the students' schedules between CCP and Hallahan High School.

Major champions of the 100 Steps program include Dr. Judith Gay, CCP vice president for Strategic Initiatives and chief of staff; Dr. David E. Thomas, CCP associate vice president of Strategic Initiatives and Dean, Access and Community Engagement; Michelle Beachy, principal of Hallahan High School; Sister Maureen Lawrence McDermott, Secondary Schools for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Catholic Education chief academic officer and superintendent; and Irene Horstmann Hannan, Faith in the Future Foundation chief executive officer.

The 100 Steps initiative is only the latest program offered by CCP that provides academic opportunities for high school students to enroll in its college-level courses and experience an environment in higher education. Most recently, six senior high school students graduated with their associate degrees from CCP through MC², a special dual enrollment program created between CCP and Mathematics, Science and Technology (MaST) Community Charter School in 2015.

“I could have my bachelor’s degree by the time I’m 20,” said William Hartner, a graduate from the MC² program who was accepted to both Duquesne University and Temple University for political science. “The two-year head-start really does help out a lot and it will save me financially too. Being here is a different experience from high school. It's different classes, so that prepares me for whatever college I do decide to attend.”

To learn more about high school student programs offered at Community College of Philadelphia.

Community College of Philadelphia president, Dr. Donald Generals, welcomed and addressed the College's 2019 graduating class at the 53rd Commencement on May 4. U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA.), a graduate of CCP and La Salle University, was the principal speaker at the Commencement ceremony that began at 10 a.m. in The Liacouras Center.

"Having the avenue of community college available made a huge difference for me," said Evans, who graduated from CCP with an associate degree in 1973. "I believe community college can be a great stepping stone for you, as it was for me."

A total of 1,881 students were candidates for graduation this year. Thousands of family and friends witnessed the graduates’ milestone and cheered the students on as they walked down the aisle to celebrate their academic achievements at CCP, the largest public institution of higher education in Philadelphia and the sixth largest in Pennsylvania.

“Never compare your growth to the growth of others, because we have been placed on our own paths for specific reasons,” said Amber Young, CCP’s 2019 class speaker and candidate for graduation in the Liberal Arts – Social/Behavioral Science program. “The College has helped you to get on your path of possibilities, so you are empowered to take your greatness to the next phase of your life.”

One of the many students who donned a cap and gown was radio personality Kevin Ceasar, also known as Mutha Knows on Power 99-FM’s “The Tea.” At 43 years old, Ceasar graduated with a Mass Media degree and became the first in his family to graduate from a school of higher education.

This year’s Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship recipient, Anyssa Elmanfaa, was also the first in her family to attain a college degree. Graduating with high honors and an associate degree in International Studies, Elmanfaa plans to use her scholarship money of up to $40k per year to attend either Bucknell University or Swarthmore College.

Six high school seniors from Mathematics, Science and Technology (MaST) Community Charter School graduated with associate degrees prior to receiving their high school diplomas. Nadeen Al-Saleem, Gilbert Drutsky, Marta Gorstka, William Hartner, Shiv Patel and Sara Wolfenden completed their degrees as part of the second cohort to graduate under MC2, a special dual enrollment program created through a partnership between MaST and CCP in 2015.

“I think it’s an amazing experience,” said Al-Saleem, who credits MC2 with helping her win the Liberty Scholarship, which will cover full tuition and board at Drexel University.  “I know they’re super selective for who they chose for [the Liberty Scholarship], and when I said I was going to graduate with my associate’s, I’m sure they thought, ‘Wow, that’s amazing.’”

During the Commencement exercises, Dr. Generals announced that Laura Davidson, associate professor of Dietetics and Allied Health, was the 2019 winner of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching award. Supported by the Christian R. & Mary F. Lindback Foundation, the annual award recognizes a faculty member for excellence in teaching and includes a $4,000 stipend. 

To see highlights from graduation and read about graduates’ future plans, check out the College's Facebook and Instagram pages.

U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA.), a graduate of Community College of Philadelphia and La Salle University, will be this year’s principal speaker at Community College of Philadelphia’s 53rd Commencement on May 4. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in The Liacouras Center, located at 1776 N. Broad Street. About 8,000 parents, friends and candidates for graduation are expected to attend the ceremony.

Over his political tenure, Congressman Evans has advocated and defended progressive causes, including urban renewal, economic growth and educational opportunities. One of five children, he grew up in North Philadelphia and Germantown and today lives just minutes from his alma mater, Germantown High School. Maintaining deep roots in his district, the celebrated politician has dedicated his life as a public servant to the people of Philadelphia and beyond.

Before making his way to the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., Congressman Evans served as a state representative for 36 years. As an elected member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Congressman Evans marked his storied career early on as one of breaking barriers and building bridges. He made history in 1990 by becoming the first African-American chairman of the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee, a position he held for two decades. In that role, he was instrumental in helping Philadelphia and communities across Pennsylvania receive funding for economic development, job training, education, infrastructure and the arts.

In 2016, constituents elected Evans to represent Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South and Center City Philadelphia. In his first two years in Congress, Evans served on the House Agriculture Committee and worked on the Farm Bill, a major piece of legislation that Congress only passes every five years. He successfully challenged the Farm Bill’s proposed inclusion of work requirements, an amendment that could have denied millions of people who benefit from the SNAP food assistance program, formerly known as food stamps, the help they need to keep themselves and their families from going hungry. In January of this year, the congressman was named to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee that oversees important issues, including taxes, trade, Social Security and Medicare.

During his time in the Pennsylvania Legislature, Evans championed the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative, a plan that links public and private funds to expand and build grocery stores in food deserts across our state. Creating more than 5,000 jobs in the process, the congressman brought nearly 100 grocery stores to underserved areas across the state that previously had very limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Obama administration applauded Evans’ approach and used the Pennsylvania initiative as a model for the nation, replicating it in several other states across the country, including California, New York, New Jersey, Louisiana and Illinois.

In 2013, Evans released his political biography titled, "Making Ideas Matter: My Life as a Policy Entrepreneur,” written with Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Ecenbarger, and published by the University of Pennsylvania's Fels Institute of Government.

Thirty entrepreneurs  graduated from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program on Friday, December 14, bringing the number of regional graduates to 459, a milestone for the program, which began at the Community College of Philadelphia in 2013.

The graduates of Class 17 gathered with families and friends for a ceremony at the Center for Business and Industry. Dr. Donald Guy Generals, president of Community College of Philadelphia, Nicole Pullen Ross, managing director, Goldman Sachs’s Mid-Atlantic Region, and Sylvie Gallier Howard, first deputy director of Commerce, City of Philadelphia, all spoke. Carrie Maria, co-owner and co-founder of The Monster Minders dog-walking service, was the class speaker. Maria called the program life changing.

“So many small business owners are passionate about their projects," she said. "I love dog walking. But so many people running small businesses could benefit from basic business education. If the government really wants to drive this economy, they should have every small business owner take this course.”

Indeed, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alumni are making their mark in the Philadelphia region's business community in ways big and small. When the Entrepreneurs’ Forum of Greater Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Inquirer recently unveiled the 2018 list of the Philadelphia 100—the area’s fastest-growing private companies—18 percent of the businesses, nearly one in every five, had graduated from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.

The latest class of graduates represents a variety of industries and professions, ranging from an ice cream maker to a real estate company. Each leaves with a set of business tools and growth strategies to support them in growing their companies. They have joined other alumni small business owners who are, in many cases, working together and finding innovative ways to contribute to their local economies and create jobs.

For example, through the program, Maria developed a growth plan to move the business she runs with her husband, Lindsay, into commercial space. In addition, the couple seeks to hire new employees and increase the wages for their employees.

Nationwide, the program results reflect its profound impact on small business owners and local economies. A 2018 report by Babson College found that just six months after graduating the program, 67 percent of participants reported increasing their revenues, 47 percent of participants reported creating net new jobs and 88 percent of participants have worked or are working together with other program participants. The program maintains a 98.5 percent graduation rate.

Applications for 10,000 Small Businesses are accepted on a rolling basis at Community College of Philadelphia. The program is open to business owners from across the Greater Philadelphia region. Learn more or apply online.

Community College of Philadelphia alumna Aminata Sy doesn't know yet where she'll go -- whether it will be Dakar, Kigali or perhaps London, Paris.

Still she's already on her way—on her way to getting a coveted job as a U.S. Foreign Service diplomat. Since 2012, this mother of three has balanced work and college studies in her West Philadelphia community, where she currently serves the African immigrant community through a nonprofit for children.

Now, as she prepares to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania in May, a new life awaits her. Sy (pronounced “C”) is one of 30 people selected to receive the Rangel Graduate Fellowship; she starts immediately after graduation.

The prestigious Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellowship supports winners through two years of graduate studies, provides internships in Congress and at a U.S. embassy overseas, and grants entry into the Foreign Service corps. Sy calls it “an achievement that has been years in the making.” It brings Sy closer to her ultimate destination of becoming a diplomat.

"I thank my husband, Abdoul Wane, for his unshakable support. I thank everyone who has supported me thus far,” Sy, a mother of three children, now 16, 14 and 6, wrote in a Facebook post announcing the fellowship to her family and friends.

Those supporters include her mentors at Community College of Philadelphia — former English professor Jill Shashaty, assistant English professor Ravyn Davis, and tutor Vicky Schwartz, as well as numerous College administrators who inspired and encouraged her.

Sy’s story shows how education can change a life. She dropped out of high school in Senegal and came to the United States in 2001. Though she spoke French, Pulaar and Wolof, she had to learn to speak English once she arrived. She graduated from Community College of Philadelphia with highest honors and a 4.0 GPA in 2015.

CCP offered Sy the flexibility she needed to balance school and home life. In the beginning, she was taking college courses in the afternoon and home schooling her son on weekday mornings.

“The College opened my eyes to what is and what could be," Sy said. “Your financial background may not be what it needs to be; your educational skills may not be what they need to be, yet every time I made an effort, I made progress.” Now, after serving the people of Philadelphia these past years, Sy is ready to help solve the challenges facing our world.

“America has given me so much,” she said. “This is where I have lived with my husband. This is where I gave birth to my kids. This is where I got my education. I try to find ways to serve on the local level, on the national level and on the international level.”

With the Rangel Graduate Fellowship, Sy joins the growing ranks of recent CCP graduates who have earned distinctive academic honors, including Hazim Hardeman, the College’s first Rhodes Scholar. Hardeman and Sy were both members of the Class of 2015. After graduation, Hardeman volunteered for Sy’s nonprofit, African Community Learning Program. She established the program to support children of African immigrant background as they acquire language skills and adjust to life in America while remaining connected to their heritage.

The Rangel Graduate Fellowship is a collaborative effort including the State Department, Howard University, the U.S. Congress and universities nationwide, that helps ensure a Foreign Service that represents the diversity of America.

Sy first will travel to Washington D.C. for a 10-week summer internship with a member of Congress involved in international affairs. During those weeks, she will meet State Department officials and foreign diplomats.

Then, with a $37,000 annual grant from the Fellowship, Sy will begin graduate studies pursuing a major in public policy; she’s applying for programs now. Next summer she will be posted to an embassy or consulate abroad before returning to finish her degree. When she graduates, she'll transition into a career with the Foreign Service.

“There are many issues in the world to resolve,” Sy said. She said her language skills, her background living in different places in the world, her experience in journalism and nonprofit management and her training in international affairs at Penn and CCP have given her the grounding to work on issues that matter to her, including education, immigration, and African diaspora matters.