York City Scholars Program
Each year, we assist approximately 204 William Penn High School students who have the spark and desire to better themselves, but are not top-ranked students and have parents who are not college-educated. We aim for all of them to enroll in a good college or technical school. We have contracted with a counselor to assist every student and family with the college selection, application and financial aid process and also provide life and study skills advice. Cultural activities and trips, college visitations and annual family dinners are also planned. The program is available to participating students throughout their high school career.

Thanks to the generosity of The Wolf Organization, York City Scholars now occupies its own program space and has computers equipped with software and internet access in the basement of 20 West Market Street. Steve Stetler and The York County Community Foundation provided office equipment and furniture.

Major underwriting for this program comes from the Beatrice and Henry Blatner Fund of the York County Community Foundation. We also have three-year pledges of financial support from Tom and Frances Wolf, Bob and Donna Pullo, Carolyn Steinhauser, Loren and Fay Kroh, Dave Confer and Sue Krebs, Bill and Sanfra Anstine, Carole Horn (for the Robert Horn Family Fund) and the Children’s Fund of the YCCF.

The Academic Support Committee of York City Dollars for Scholars oversees the Scholars program. Sue Krebs and Brigitte Krause work with Suzanne Moyer, the program counselor, on behalf of the Dollars For Scholars board.

Other past and current academic support programs:

Kaplan SAT Preparation Program
Ninety William Penn students enrolled in this 12 week nationally-known Kaplan Inc. SAT program. Students increased their test scores by an average of 70 points; some gained more than 200 points. This program is now provided by the York City School District and has been built into the regular William Penn curriculum.

Kaplan College Admissions Seminar - 2001
This 6-session Kaplan College Admissions Seminar was offered to William Penn students. Although the course was helpful,we concluded that students needed more intensive help during the application process.

Career Day – 1999 and 2000
In 1999 and 2000, YCDFS organized successful Career Days for all William Penn juniors. Thirty York professionals presented their professions and engaged students in discussions.

Pizza Party – 1999 - 2004
Every year, we organize a Pizza Party for new scholarship recipients during winter break from college. Besides socializing, we take this as an opportunity to ask the students about their adjustment to college. It is always enjoyable and interesting, and helps us with planning new programs.