The Minds Matter Scholar Journey

Talent is universal, but opportunity is not. At Minds Matter Philadelphia, we empower the city’s most driven students to overcome systemic barriers and claim their seats at the nation’s top universities. This is more than a program—it is a launchpad for your future.

The Next Generation of Leaders and Scholars

Our students are resilient, motivated, and academically driven individuals who maintain an average 3.5 GPA while often preparing to be the first in their families to attend college. By fostering a culture of hard work and maturity, we ensure that 100% of our graduates earn acceptance into top-tier four-year universities.

“Minds Matter has provided a productive environment that allows me to be myself and set new goals personally and academically. I enjoy the people around me in Minds Matter because they are pushing me to become better.”

Amina Current Student

“Minds Matter has provided me with fantastic opportunities that I won’t get anywhere else. Also, it has provided me with the guidance and how to approach certain problems.”

Jackie Current Student

“Minds Matter has provided me with a community of people that I can seek guidance and support from. I feel like I can call these people my family.”

Nicholas Current Student

“The most valuable thing Minds Matter has provided to me is my lovely mentors. They are helpful inside and outside of the program and they’re always there for me when I need someone to talk to.”

TashayCurrent Student

“Minds Matter has provided me with the opportunity to experience many different people from all over the world through summer programs. Something valuable that I obtained from Minds Matter was confidence in public speaking.”

CeyaniCurrent Student

“My mentors are super amazing and helped me tremendously with personal development and the college application process. They edited my essays countless times and even asked their friends to help as well. I would not be where I am today without Minds Matter!”

Name?Alumi

“If it wasn’t for Minds Matter, I would not be able to attend the college of my dreams!”

Name?Alumi

“Minds Matter helped improve my overall math and writing skills. This made the transition from high school academics to collegiate levels of academics much easier.”

Name?Alumi

“The ability to go to summer programs for free has been critical to my college process. I never would have had the opportunities to do these things if it weren’t for Minds Matter, and it gave me a sense of what I look for in a college, as well as a real, mini college experience.”

Name?Alumi

“Minds Matter prepared me for college by introducing me to college programs while still in high school. That was really helpful in seeing how college was before actually attending college. The most important part was just being surrounded by people in Minds Matter with college experience that helped me out through my college process and could answer any questions I had about college. Best part was knowing my mentors, I still talk to them to this day.”

Name?Alumi

Students Served Since 2011

College Acceptance Rate

Top Ranked College Attendance

Volunteers and Partners

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Witness the Journey from High School Ambition to College Reality.

Behind the data and the 100% acceptance rate are individual journeys of ambition and resilience. Discover how our unique volunteer-led model and three-pillar approach help Philadelphia’s brightest minds navigate the path to—and through—higher education.

Mentoring in a Space Built to Support

February 23, 2026

Mentoring in a Space Built to SupportI have always enjoyed being a mentor, both in my career and in my community. Minds Matter Philadelphia gives me a chance to bring those two things together in a setting that is collaborative, resource-rich, and genuinely centered on students.One of the reasons I value this program is the level of organization and support…

A Community That Shows Up

February 23, 2026

A Community That Helps Me GrowI volunteer with Minds Matter Philadelphia because I care deeply about educational equity and helping students reach their full potential. Too often, students do not get consistent access to the mentoring, resources, and encouragement they deserve. Minds Matter helps close that gap in a real, practical way.What I value most is the community the program…

Watching Confidence Take Root

February 23, 2026

Watching Confidence Take RootI volunteer with Minds Matter Philadelphia because I love the opportunity to meet, mentor, and support some of the brightest students in the city. Each year, I am reminded that when students have consistent encouragement and people in their corner, they can grow in powerful ways.Over the last three years, I have watched my students evolve with…

Student FAQ

I’m interested in becoming a Minds Matter Philadelphia student. Where can I get more information about Minds Matter and the application process?

To learn more about the sophomore, junior, and senior programs, click here. To learn about the application process and requirements, click here.

When do students get accepted into Minds Matter?

Students apply in April and May of their Freshmen year of high school, and finalists have interviews in May and June. Students start the program in the Fall of their Sophomore year.

How does the mentoring process work?

Once admitted, students are assigned a pair of mentors with whom they meet weekly throughout the school year. The mentors and students work together to research and apply for Summer Programs/colleges, write essays, discuss financial aid, apply for scholarships, etc.

Are there costs for participating in Minds Matter?

There is no cost to the students, their families, or their schools. Minds Matter helps students apply for financial aid awards and raises funds to support pre-college summer programs.

How are students notified whether they were accepted into the program?

Students will be contacted via email regarding the interview notification. Final acceptances to the program will be communicated via a call.

How often and where does the Minds Matter program meet?

Minds Matter sessions for mentees are held on Saturdays from 10 AM–2 PM during the school year. Sessions are not held on holidays or during school vacations. Our sessions are in-person on the Minds Matter Philadelphia campus.

What process is used to match Minds Matter students with their mentors?

Minds Matter takes mentor/mentee matching very seriously. Volunteers and students are asked a series of questions during the application process to assess interests, areas of strength, and areas of improvement. This input allows the program leaders to do their best to ensure a good match and overall experience for everyone involved.

Do students stay with the same mentors throughout their entire Minds Matter experience?

Ideally, a mentee will have the same mentors throughout the entire program. Minds Matter does its best to assess each volunteer’s availability and match accordingly. We do understand that “life happens,” and sometimes we experience turnover due to unforeseen circumstances such as job changes, relocation, and graduate school.

Begin Your Journey to Excellence

Are you a motivated student ready to unlock your full potential? Join a community of scholars and mentors dedicated to your success. Our three-year program provides the tools, the support, and the path to your dream college.

Start Your Application