PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The first group of students to receive the city’s new Catto scholarships compared notes this week at a reunion at Community College of Philadelphia.
Dozens gathered in the college’s courtyard to talk about how the Catto scholarship had sustained their college experiences.
Those scholarships provided last-dollar tuition support, as well as money for books, food and housing.
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Dr. David Thomas, CCP’s vice president of strategic initiatives and community engagement, said the Catto scholarships made college possible for these students.
“They said, ‘Had I not gotten a scholarship, I would not be here. Or, I wouldn’t have been able to go full time,’” Thomas said.
Iraida Sanchez, a film major, said the scholarship freed her to focus on her studies.
“Honestly it changed a lot. I’m not really worried about much. Just doing school!” she exclaimed.
Sanchez said the Catto scholarship enabled her to connect with other film students.
“As long as you know people in the industry or people with the same major, you’re always going to have a chance at something because someone’s always looking for something in that field,” she explained.
Student Moses Bangura is a liberal arts major considering a career in law or technology.
“I believe this scholarship is very important to me, because it’s given me the opportunity to get more education for free,’ Bangura said.
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“I’ve been hearing so many times of how college is really expensive, and getting that scholarship is really a blessing."
Currently there are 132 students in the second cohort of Catto scholarships awarded for the fall semester.