Inside Minds Matter

Minds Matter Philadelphia works to address this college access disparity by providing robust college entry and academic supports to highly motivated low-income Philadelphia.

How Minds Matter Ensures Student Success

Minds Matter is a three-year mentoring program that begins in student’s Sophomore year and supports them through their High School Graduation.

Minds Matter offers its students a combination of individualized mentor support and group tutoring that provides students with the resources, information and guidance they need to gain admission to, enroll in and graduate from four-year colleges.

The Three-Pillar Program

Our services have developed into a holistic, three-year program designed to provide unparalleled support and opportunity, ensuring every student is prepared for college success. The program is built upon three primary, integrated components:

01. Intensive Mentorship & Guidance

We provide each student with two dedicated, college-educated mentors who offer consistent one-on-one support throughout their high school journey. This unique “two-on-one” model ensures that every scholar has a deep support network to navigate personal, academic, and professional growth as they prepare for the rigors of university life.

02. Academic Preparation & Skill Building

Our scholars participate in rigorous Saturday sessions focused on a robust curriculum of writing, critical thinking, and mathematics. This intensive academic support includes specialized ACT test preparation designed to increase competitive scores and bridge the educational opportunity gap for Philadelphia students.

03. College Access & Opportunity

We remove financial and informational barriers by providing fully funded summer programs at prestigious universities across the country. Scholars receive hands-on assistance with every stage of the college process, from choosing the right institutions to securing significant financial aid packages that make higher education a reality.

Power the Pathway to a College Degree

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Our Story & The Minds Matter Difference

A Legacy of Empowerment: Founded in New York City in 1991, Minds Matter has grown into a premier national organization with 14 chapters dedicated to bridging the educational opportunity gap.

Rooted in Philadelphia: Since 2011, Minds Matter Philadelphia has been connecting driven, determined students from low-income backgrounds to the people and preparation they need to succeed. We currently serve students from over 20 area high schools through the dedication of nearly 100 local volunteers.

The Minds Matter Difference: Unlike traditional one-on-one mentoring, we provide a holistic support system. Each student is paired with two college-educated mentors and supported by specialized instructors in writing, math, and test prep. This team-based approach ensures students receive the individualized attention and professional expertise necessary to navigate the complex path to college.

The Impact We Have Made In Our Community

Class of 2025: By the Numbers With the support of Minds Matter Philadelphia, our most recent graduating class reached milestones that redefine what is possible for high-achieving, low-income students.

Applications and Acceptance Rate

114 College Applications Our most recent graduating class demonstrated extraordinary ambition by submitting over one hundred applications to institutions nationwide.
75% Acceptance Rate This high success rate reflects the caliber of our students and the effectiveness of our specialized application guidance.
92% Top 100 Enrollment Nearly every student in the Class of 2025 is now attending a U.S. News Top 100 college or university.

Academic Excellence

100% Enrollment Rate Every single student in our class of 2025 successfully admitted to and enrolled in a four-year college.
Benchmark Success 92% of ACT test-takers exceeded national College & Career Readiness scores.

Financial Impact

$81,823 Average Aid Package Our students receive an average aid package that is nearly $25,000 higher than the national average.
$4,953 Average Annual Cost By securing significant aid, we reduce the annual cost of college to a fraction of the $38,270 national average.
$100,000 in Merit Scholarships Nearly half of our students earned additional third-party merit awards to further decrease their financial burden.

The People Behind the Mission

Minds Matter of Philadelphia is powered by a vibrant community of professionals, educators, and leaders. From our Board of Directors to our Executive Committee, we are a 100% volunteer-led organization united by a shared belief in our students’ potential.

Meet Our Team

Our Results & Moving Forward

Proven Success

We are proud to maintain a consistent 100% college acceptance rate. Since our founding, every student who has completed our program has gained admission to a four-year university, with many attending the most competitive institutions in the country.

Our Vision for the Future

We envision a nation where family income is not a prerequisite for success. To achieve this, our volunteer leadership is focused on:

Strategic Growth: Expanding our reach to serve more high-potential students across Greater Philadelphia.
Alumni Excellence: Strengthening our alumni network to ensure students don’t just get into college, but graduate and thrive in their careers.
Holistic Development: Enhancing our curriculum to include leadership, citizenship, and early professional experiences.
Data-Driven Impact: Refining our metrics to continually improve program effectiveness and student outcomes.