Chamber Congratulates Community College of Philadelphia on My Degree Now Initiative

The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce commends the Community College of Philadelphia for announcing the launch of its My Degree Now initiative.

Starting this fall, Community College of Philadelphia will provide Philadelphia residents who have 30 or more college credits the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree without incurring tuition or fees.

In a city where only one out of every five residents has a degree, the My Degree Now initiative will provide a path to economic opportunity for Philadelphians who, for one reason or another, never obtained a degree.

"By providing educational opportunities, the College works to benefit residents and the city as a whole. When companies enhance their employees’ knowledge, they grow and prosper, as does Philadelphia’s economy," said Stephen M. Curtis, president of Community College of Philadelphia.

"My Degree Now is offering a wonderful opportunity for Philadelphians who are working to reach their goals while pursuing pathways that will lead to exciting opportunities. My administration wants to see the number of residents with a four-year bachelor degree double over the next five to 10 years, and this program is a step in the right direction," Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said.

President Curtis unveiled the My Degree Now program at a press conference Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce’s offices. He was joined by Mayor Nutter and top executives from the Chamber, Wachovia, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Gas Works.

My Degree Now will allow Philadelphia residents with 30 or more transferable college credits to earn an associate’s degree with no out-of-pocket costs for tuition or fees. The pilot program is funded by $100,000 from a gracious donor.

To be eligible for My Degree Now, residents must apply for financial aid grants, have been out of college for at least two years and must agree to complete their associate’s degree requirements in three years or less. My Degree Now will cover tuition and fees not met by financial aid. It also will provide up to $200 a semester for textbooks to employees whose employers are interested in this partnership with the College.

Employers and individuals interested in participating in My Degree Now should call 215-751-8254, e-mail Mydegreenow@ccp.edu, or visit the Web site at www.ccp.edu/site/mydegreenow.

To view photos from the press conference, click here .