Catto Scholarship Helps Students Graduate Debt-free

This year, Dave Hansen will graduate from Community College of Philadelphia with an associate degree in Business–General, with Highest Honor, and move forward debt-free into a bachelor’s program to study either Finance or Economics. This is possible because of a Federal Pell Grant and additional support from CCP’s Octavius Catto Scholarship initiative. This scholarship is the result of a partnership between CCP and the City of Philadelphia.

Started in 2021, the Catto Scholarship is an important anti-poverty initiative designed to help more Philadelphians reach success by attending college free of charge. Catto does this by combining last-dollar funding with special wrap-around support services. Not only does the initiative cover tuition and fees, but it also addresses burdens that hit many Philadelphians—especially those living in poverty—particularly hard, including costs associated with food, transportation and books.

“Thankfully because of my Pell Grant I am debt-free regardless,” Dave said. “But with Catto I was able to buy books and get a stipend to pay for food.”

In addition to financial support, Catto Scholars also have access to career coaches and advisors to help them stay on track. “My coach is an amazing person,” Dave said. "She's always checking up on me.”

When it came time for Dave to figure out next steps after graduation, his Catto Coach was the one who suggested he apply to several schools and then see which one gave him the best financial aid package. “Catto's just been a blessing. I wish they were able to reach out to more students,” Dave said.

The Catto Scholarship initiative at CCP is one of many ways that students are able to attend college for free. Initiatives like this help so many students launch into additional degree programs and jobs with little to no student debt. CCP is proud to be able to offer this scholarship as an option for the students who need it most.