Fall 2025: Barriers Broken
Breaking Barriers Campaign Newsletter
Family Survey
At the end of each school year, CSFP surveys participating families to understand their experience with CSFP and in their CSFP partner school, as well as their thoughts on their student’s growth and learning. The information collected in the Family Survey helps CSFP improve our offerings. This year, nearly 2,000 families completed the survey and shared their feedback with us.
Families told us that they witnessed positive growth in their students during the 2024-2025 School Year, which is critically important for the K-8th grade years as students foster their cognitive abilities, build social behavior, and develop the skills needed to succeed.
91% of families saw a positive change in their student’s interest in school, with 59% of families witnessing significant change.
of families saw a positive change in their student’s self-confidence, with 60% of families witnessing significant change.
of families saw a positive change in their child’s social skills, with 63% of families witnessing significant change.
of families saw a positive change in their child’s emotional regulation, with 52% of families witnessing significant change.
The 2025 Family Survey found that nearly all families had an excellent or above average experience with CSFP, and that they would recommend the program to their friends and family.
of families rated their overall experience with CSFP’s scholarship program as “Excellent” or “Above Average,” which is the same as last year’s survey.
of families “Strongly agree” or “Agree” that they would recommend CSFP scholarships to their friends and family,
a 1% increase from last year.
Nearly all families agreed that a CSFP scholarship made an impact on their long-term planning and finances.
of families agreed that “receiving the scholarship this year helped lessen financial stress” for their family,
compared to 95% last year.
of families agreed that receiving the scholarship through 8th grade allows them to make long-term plans for their child’s education,
compared to 97% last year.
of families rated their overall experience with CSFP’s scholarship program as “Excellent” or “Above Average,” which is the same as last year’s survey.
of families report feeling a sense of community with CSFP.
Families cite CSFP’s events, stellar customer service, responsiveness, and regular email and mail communications as reasons for feeling a sense of community with CSFP. One parent shared:
“Because CSFP is part of our life, it has influenced every aspect from where the kids go to school to where they do all of their extracurricular activities! For me, every single day, when I am helping my children put their uniforms on, I am reminded of CSFP. I know they are only able to attend this school and have this peace of mind for education and safety because of the scholarship help from CSFP.”
Meet Meinwoe, CSFP Parent and Program Ambassador
Imagine being a single parent navigating a house-fire and later, caring for an ailing parent, while prioritizing a quality, safe education for your six children. For one of CSFP’s parents, this is a reality.
In 2010, Meinwoe and her family were forced to move from their home in Philadelphia to another location in Delaware County while waiting for their property to be repaired following a fire. They later relocated back to Philadelphia and Meinwoe knew she didn’t want to send her children to attend the local public school in her neighborhood. So she drove around her new neighborhood to see what other school options may have been available. She discovered St. Barnabas Catholic School, a local private school in the IMS network, and enrolled her oldest daughter. Meinwoe first heard about CSFP 11 years ago from St. Barnabas, and since then, Meinwoe has had six children go through CSFP’s program and receive scholarships.
As a full-time caretaker, Meinwoe wants to ensure that other parents know about CSFP in order to make tuition affordable. When asked how CSFP impacted Meinwoe and her family, she shared, “The financial aid has been a great blessing, it has allowed me to keep my children in a private education – a quality education. It’s a peace of mind knowing that there’s help out there.”
Thanks to a CSFP scholarship, the quality education at Meinwoe’s chosen CSFP partnership school, and her dedication to her children’s academic future, each of Meinwoe’s children who has graduated 8th grade from St. Barnabas IMS is thriving in their high school or college of choice.
Senette is working on her Masters at New York University (NYU). She attended West Catholic High School and received her undergraduate degree in Marketing from Temple University. She currently has an internship and is working part-time while completing her Masters.
Caleb (12th grade), Abigail (9th grade), and Anya (6th grade) are currently attending Girard College. Abigail was the president and valedictorian of her 8th grade graduating class at St. Barnabas.
Ryan is now a Junior at Roman Catholic High School. He loves his high school!
Abraham, Meinwoe’s youngest son, is still attending St. Barnabas IMS. Meinwoe selected St. Barnabas because it is close to her home and, “It’s safe, I know my children will get a quality education, I don’t have to worry too much.” For Abraham, St. Barnabas also offers community sports, music, and art, as well as the opportunity for Meinwoe to easily get in contact with teachers at the school.
Supporter Spotlight: The Trefz Family
Ryan Trefz was a Temple University Risk Management Student and Ice Hockey Captain and player. He was known for his kindness, leadership, and dedication to helping others thrive. He was beloved by his teammates, who recall him dedicating his free time to helping them become better players and people.
After Ryan’s passing in the summer of 2019, his family, Rich, Francie, and Chris Trefz, chose to channel Ryan’s remarkable spirit into creating opportunities for other young people. Their commitment began with a memorial scholarship at Temple University for Risk Management underclassmen who embody Ryan’s dedication, humility, and leadership skills.
Seeking to expand this impact, the Trefz family found a partner in Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia. Since 2023, CSFP has been the honored recipient of proceeds from the annual Ryan Trefz Memorial Golf Outing. As of September 2025, their generosity has provided over $28,000 for 12 CSFP scholarships and counting. Through their thoughtful philanthropy, the Trefz family has transformed their son’s legacy into a powerful force for good, opening doors for Philadelphia students to build their own bright futures.
“Our family has spent a lot of time in Philadelphia, and we always felt close to the community. Helping families and children get a better education is a real way to have a positive impact on the people of the city. We know that Ryan would have felt passionate about this cause had his life not been cut short. Now our family feels closer to Philadelphia than ever.
Rich and Francie Trefz
What we love most about the outing is having so many of Ryan’s friends and family together and honoring his legacy of helping others.”
Please join us for Lottery Day 2025
Mark your calendars! CSFP and URBN will host this year’s Lottery Day on Wednesday, December 17th starting at 5:45 P.M. During our Lottery Day celebration, CSFP Board, staff, volunteers, and your fellow supporters call the families of selected scholarship lottery winners to notify them of the good news that they’ve been selected for a scholarship beginning with the 26-27 school year.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Reach out to Meghan McCormick to learn more.
Breaking Barriers Campaign Updates
The Breaking Barriers campaign seeks to provide more scholarships and support for Philadelphia families over time by increasing the number of scholarships awarded, reducing the barriers to renewing scholarships, increasing the supplementary programs we offer CSFP families, and building a strong and sustainable organization for years to come.
- Scholarship tier levels increased for the 2025-26 school year and beyond – families qualify for scholarships ranging from $1,250 – 3,350. 30% of scholars received the highest level of support during the 2024-25 school year
- 6,554 students awarded scholarships during the 2024-2025 school year
- 100 camp scholarships provided through Camp Connections in 2025
- 38 community building events offered
- Student retention rate increased to 82% for the 24-25 school year
- $50,177,880.41 raised to date
For more information, visit the Breaking Barriers Campaign website.
Get Involved
As CSFP approaches its 25th anniversary in 2026, our commitment to Philadelphia students is greater than ever. Will you consider a gift to CSFP’s Annual Fund to support scholarships and all of our mission-based work, providing students and families with more opportunities to succeed?