White-Williams Scholars: Facts About Poverty and Education in Philadelphia

35% of those who do not have a high school diploma in Philadelphia live in poverty. (21% if HS diploma. 14% if some college. 8% if bachelors or higher)
2006 American Community Survey

25% of Philadelphians live below the poverty line.
2006 American Community Survey

25% of Philadelphia's population has less than a high school diploma
A Tale of Two Cities, Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board

Philadelphia is 92nd out of the 100 largest cities in the percentage of residents with college degrees
A Tale of Two Cities, Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board

70% of new jobs require a postsecondary degree
A Tale of Two Cities, Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board

2/3 of Philadelphia public school students qualify for the free lunch program
PA Department of Education

$130—cost of graphing calculator for math and science courses suggested by the School District of Philadelphia

$56—cost of back-to-school supplies recommended by the School District for high school students (excluding graphing calculator)

80% of Philadelphia's dropouts can be identified as at-risk in 8th or 9th grade.
Unfulfilled Promise: The Dimensions and Characteristics of Philadelphia's Dropout Crisis, 2000-05

Half of Philadelphia's 9th graders will not graduate from high school.
Unfulfilled Promise: The Dimensions and Characteristics of Philadelphia's Dropout Crisis, 2000-05

27% of Philadelphia 11th graders tested proficient in math on the PSSA, 33% in reading.

1,408—number of students who received stipends in 2006-07
100—number of Scholars who earned a Dell laptop, printer and accessories in 2006-07
91—years WWS has been distributing stipends
96% of Scholar graduates surveyed enroll in college or postsecondary educational programs
84% of WWS budget is spent on programs
$1.4 million annually for grants and scholarships for girls through the Charles E. Ellis Trust
600-number of laptops distributed through the Gray Computer Program