College Access Center Receives Grant from TD Charitable Foundation

Chester, Pa.—The College Access Center of Delaware County has received a $52,500 grant from the TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s most convenient bank^®, to help fund the center’s signature Road Map to College Program.

The Road Map to College Program is an intensive academic development program designed to help high school students from underserved communities in Delaware County to generate the skills, competencies and motivation necessary to access and succeed in college. Eligible students are provided an intensive college preparatory curriculum which includes attending classes several times a week and on select Saturdays each month throughout their remaining high school years.

The program enrolls about 80 students annually, many of whom are potential first generation college students. Since its launch in 2010, 100 percent of the students who successfully completed the program are attending college today, according to Julani Ghana, director of the center.

“This generous grant from TD Charitable Foundation will go a long way in helping us achieve our goals to make the dream of a college education a reality for high school students in the city of Chester and all of Delaware County,” Ghana said.

The grant will be used to fund various aspects of the program, including the Parents Academy, educational and career workshops, SAT/ACT preparation courses, and a Summer Bridge Program. It will also fund recruitment and promotion efforts for the College Access Center and staff and volunteer training and development.

The College Access Center of Delaware County provides free college preparation services to high school students and adults. Services range from college and career awareness, study skills development, tutoring, mentoring and assisting high school seniors and their parents with the college financial aid process.

The center was founded by the Chester Higher Education Council, a nonprofit organization formed by the presidents of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Delaware County Community College, Neumann College, Penn State Brandywine, Swarthmore College and Widener University to address the educational needs of residents in Chester.

A staunch commitment to active involvement in the local community is a vital element of the TD Bank philosophy. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank^® and the TD Charitable Foundation provide support to affordable housing, financial literacy and education, and environmental initiatives, many of which focus on improving the welfare of children and families.