Community College of Philadelphia announces expanded transfer partnership with Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 17, 2025

Contact:
Megan L. Fox
mlfox [at] ccp.edu (mlfox[at]ccp[dot]edu)

Alistair Glover

aglover [at] ceislermedia.com (aglover[at]ceislermedia[dot]com)

Initiative will build upon existing agreement to create new transfer pathways from CCP to Cheyney, the nation’s oldest HBCU

PHILADELPHIA – Community College of Philadelphia and Cheyney University of Pennsylvania announced a new initiative today offering eligible first-year CCP students a seamless transfer to Cheyney after earning an appropriate associate degree at CCP.

Speakers included Dr. Alycia Marshall, interim president, Community College of Philadelphia; Aaron A. Walton, president, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania; State Senator Vincent Hughes, 7^th District, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, and member of the Cheyney University Council of Trustees; and State Representative Jordan Harris, 186^th District, Philadelphia County. The event took place this morning in the Bonnell Building Lobby at CCP’s Main Campus.

Through the “Cheyney at CCP” initiative, students will be able to enroll at CCP and prepare to transfer to Cheyney upon completion of their associate degree, ready to pursue a bachelor’s program in specific areas, including Biology, Business Administration, Education (from Pre-K to 4^th grade) and Psychology. Students will receive scholarship assistance from both institutions, in addition to wraparound support services; free course materials, including laptops; career placement support; and access to select Cheyney programming, events, and facilities, even while a CCP student.

In addition, “Cheyney at CCP” students in targeted programs will be able to take select Cheyney classes at CCP or online, allowing them to complete a bachelor’s degree from Cheyney without needing to travel outside Philadelphia.

“Education has the power to change lives, and students will benefit from the academic excellence of both institutions as they work toward degree completion, and transfer and career preparedness,” said Dr. Alycia Marshall, interim president of CCP. “The College is proud to collaborate with Cheyney University, the nation’s oldest HBCU, to expand on our work to uplift Philadelphians.”

Students will not need to complete a separate application to Cheyney if they meet Cheyney admissions requirements once accepted into the program.

This agreement also includes a collaborative initiative designed to address teacher shortages while creating pathways to professional certification and economic mobility for students.

“Cheyney University is proud to partner with Community College of Philadelphia to open new doors for students who are ready to continue their education and shape their future,” said Aaron A. Walton, president of Cheyney University. “This partnership builds on Cheyney’s long legacy of preparing leaders and reflects the hard work we have done to restore and strengthen the nation’s first HBCU. Together, we are creating a pathway that supports students from their first classes at CCP to their degree at Cheyney, helping them succeed in the classroom, in their careers, and in their communities.”
 

This collaboration continues efforts by both institutions to increase access to associate and bachelor’s degrees and expand opportunities for student success.

###

About Community College of Philadelphia
Community College of Philadelphia is the largest public institution of higher education in the City of Philadelphia. With an open admissions policy, the College serves all who may benefit – regardless of age, income, or ability. For nearly 60 years, the College has lived up to its mission and goals by providing educational access for over 700,000 Philadelphians, setting families, businesses and neighborhoods on the path of shared prosperity and opportunity. For information on the College's degree and certificate programs, workforce development strategies, and community engagement initiatives, visit ccp.edu and follow us on social media @CCPedu.

About Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

Founded in 1837, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is the nation’s oldest historically Black institution of higher education. Building on this legacy, the vision for Cheyney is to become the premier model for academic excellence, character development, and social responsibility not only among Historically Black Colleges and Universities, but in all of American higher education. The campus is located on 275 acres straddling Delaware and Chester Counties. Read more at www.cheyney.edu.