Spring 2025: Barriers Broken
Breaking Barriers Campaign Newsletter
School Year 2024-2025 By the Numbers
Students Served by Grade Level
Percentage of Students Receiving the highest Level CSFP Scholarships
12 csfp family Events Hosted
First Year Family Forum (Oct)
Partner School Fair (Nov)
Parental Education Advocacy Seminar (Nov)
Family Surprise (Dec)
2 Lottery Days (Dec/March)
School Administrator Meeting (Jan)
3 High School Readiness Workshops (April)
Registration Clinic (May)
CSFP Day at the Ballpark (May)
Meet Emmanuel, CSFP Scholar
For this year’s CSFP Day at the Ballpark, Emmanuel, a graduating 8th grader from Calvary Christian Academy, was selected to take a VIP tour of Citizens Bank Park and sit in low-level seats for the Philadelphia Phillies game versus the Pittsburgh Pirates.
We asked families of 8th graders to nominate their students and we received numerous submissions. Emmanuel’s mom, Paula shared, “He loves baseball and the Phillies, since he is little he loves the Phillies Phanatic, he enjoyed going to see the Phillies and his favorite part is [seeing] the Phanatic going around, he doesn’t miss a single game, Emmanuel is a real Phillies’ fan, and that will be a dream come true”
David (L) and Emmanuel (R), CSFP Scholar
After the game, Emmanuel and Paula shared more information about their experience at Calvary Christian Academy and receiving a CSFP scholarship.
Q: What high school is he going to?
A: Emmanuel is going to Calvary Christian Academy (the same school that he is [at] now)
Q: What did he like most about his CSFP partner school?
A: He likes the school, [he] is to be able to have a great education, excellent teachers and staff, and a school that helped him to grow in his faith in Jesus.
Q: How did the scholarship help you and Emmanuel as he works towards his goals?
A: Without the scholarship I [wouldn’t] be able to register him for a private school, where we could find not only great education [and an] excellent environment, [but also] invaluable support for my children in very difficult times at home. Each child in CCA is no one more [than another] child. [Each child] is a very special life in which to invest your time and love.
Q: What does Emmanuel want to do when he gets older?
A: He hasn’t decided yet, but he’s thought about studying mechanical engineering.
Q: Do you have anything else that you would like to share about Emmanuel?
A: Emmanuel, before [coming] to CCA, was shy and insecure and had no control over his temper. CCA helped him gain self-confidence [and] to learn more and more about the life of Jesus, which for us as Christians is a fundamental part of our lives. This led him to [be] calm, [and have] control and confidence.
Supporter Spotlight: Fulton Bank’s Commitment to Community Impact
Fulton Bank, one of CSFP’s newest supporters, is committed to serving under-resourced families throughout the region and helping make our communities better one change at a time. In December 2024, Fulton Bank made their first gifts to CSFP via Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs to provide scholarships for Philly kids to attend quality, safe, K-8th grade tuition-based schools.
Their generous contributions paved the way for deeper involvement, leading to their sponsorship of this year’s CSFP Day at the Ballpark event—an end-of-school-year celebration where our students and their families enjoy a fun-filled day at a Philadelphia Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park. Representatives from Fulton Bank volunteered at the pre-game family party at Xfinity Live! then enjoyed the game alongside CSFP families
This celebration highlighted the accomplishments of our graduates and showcased Fulton Bank’s commitment to empowering families and creating lasting memories. We are deeply grateful for their support and partnership in making this event a resounding success, and their continued dedication to improving the lives of Philly kids.
Breaking Barriers Campaign Updates
- 613 Campaign donors
- $48,543,744 Raised as of May 22, 2025
Registration Clinic Highlight
On May 13, CSFP hosted the organization’s annual registration clinic to help families review necessary paperwork, upload it to the family portal, and complete the next steps needed to secure their scholarship for Fall 2025. This event is a much-needed resource for families who aren’t sure what documents to provide, or who aren’t comfortable with technology. The Registration Clinic offers an in-person opportunity to connect with the CSFP team and ensure that they are ready to receive a scholarship in the fall. More than 30 families attended this event, including many Spanish-speaking families who were served by our bilingual staff!
Camp Connections Highlight
Each year in February or March, CSFP opens a lottery for current families to apply to participate in the Camp Connections program. This year, CSFP received more than 450 applications for 100 available seats – in just one week – to attend camps at one of our five partners. For more information on supporting the Camp Connections program, contact Jenn Burns, Chief Advancement Officer.
In Case You Missed It
CSFP hosted a Tax Credit Town Hall on 5/12, sharing information on tax credit giving in Pennsylvania and potential opportunities at the federal level. Click the link below to learn more.