The scholarship, named for the local civil rights activist Octavius Catto, will now accept applications from students transferring with up to 30 credits, returning Community College of Philadelphia students who have not taken a course for over a year, and students who graduated from a high school outside of Philadelphia. Undocumented students are now eligible for last-dollar scholarship money.
The fund was originally created two years ago as an anti-poverty initiative. It connects last-dollar funds with wrap-around support services to assist with the cost of books, transportation, and food. Catto Scholars have coaches and advisors to help them navigate their education, and, if needed, recipients can connect with affordable housing, childcare, and other resources.
