Fall 2026: Barriers Broken
Breaking Barriers Campaign Newsletter
Scholarship Stories Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined CSFP for an unforgettable evening of impact, inspiration, and community.
On October 15, 2026, supporters, friends, families, and partners of CSFP gathered at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center to celebrate Scholarship Stories. During this special evening, attendees gathered to commemorate 25 years of CSFP and all who have made CSFP’s mission possible for the past quarter century.
The event kicked off with a special student performance by 6th – 8th graders from Holy Innocents Catholic School. Under the direction of Mr. Giovanni Morales, Director of Music, and Sister Nancy Kindelan, the choir performed a song.
Over the course of the evening, guests heard testimony from three program alumni: Kamesha Callands, Ryan Frank, and Cydney Booker. Each shared how access to a school of choice shaped their academic journeys and prepared them for future success.
CSFP honored two extraordinary partners whose leadership has helped to create opportunities for Philadelphia students.
The Education Changemaker Award was presented to Congressman Dwight Evans in recognition of his longstanding commitment to Philadelphia children and families and his advocacy related to Pennsylvania’s tax credit programs.
The CSFP Champion Award was presented to Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) for their steadfast partnership and commitment to student success.
PHLY President and CEO John Glomb announced a transformational $10 million cumulative gift commitment to CSFP’s Breaking Barriers Campaign, helping ensure that thousands of students will have access to life-changing educational opportunities in the years ahead.
The evening also included a special sneak peek at CSFP’s new alumni report, The Ripple Effect, which will be fully released in November 2026. CSFP commissioned a special report to understand where CSFP alumni are now, and how they are faring compared to their peers. This is particularly impactful, as students who entered CSFP’s program in the early years are now working adults.
This report was supported by BLBB Charitable, whose above and beyond support of CSFP’s 25th anniversary also allowed for a first-of-its-kind study that engaged our scholarship alumni. Additional support from our friends at the Connelly Foundation will allow us to share the findings with a wide audience.
If you’d like to be one of the first to read this report, please sign up for our mailing list so we can send you a copy of the printed report once it’s ready.
While you wait for the report, you can hear directly from alumni, families, and other CSFP community members as we share their individual #ScholarshipStories on social media. Be sure to follow us so you don’t miss anything.
Councilman Anthony Phillips presented CSFP with a citation from the City, honoring our 25th anniversary as well as the foundational work of Evie McNiff and Ina Lipman, CSFP’s Founding Board Chair and Executive Director.
Lastly, all guests were encouraged to leave their mark by partaking in a collaborative art piece and bidding on 25 original art works created by talented students at CSFP partner schools. All funds raised during the event will be shared with our partners at Independence Mission Schools and Our Mother of Consolation Parish School.
When students have access to the educational environment that best meets their needs, extraordinary things can happen. Over the last 25 years, CSFP has served more than 30,000 students, and as we look toward the next 25 years, it is essential that we continue funding students through 8th grade, offering supplemental programming, and remaining connected with our alumni. A gift to CSFP’s Annual Fund helps CSFP continue this important work. We hope you’ll consider making a special gift in honor of our 25th anniversary.
You can also read the press release from the event here: https://www.csfphiladelphia.org/scholarship-stories-event-pr/