The College App Classroom course is the product of a partnership between Penn Admissions and Heights Philadelphia, with the goal of empowering every high school student with practical information about college admissions and financial aid.
About Heights Philadelphia
Heights Philadelphia is a community-based Philly nonprofit that gives young people, especially Black, Latino, and first-generation-to-college students from low-income communities, real educational and professional opportunity. Heights is rooted in a shared belief that all Philly students deserve a path to college and workforce success, and it is our responsibility as leaders to make that happen.
Through individualized advising, academic enrichment, internship opportunities, and financial support, Heights connects Philly youth to careers and college with a network of people who believe — and invest — in their talents. From middle school onward, students get access to academic, workforce, and college support that breaks down barriers to propel economic mobility.
Heights Philadelphia helps each student find support to reach their full potential. With proven pathways to classroom, college, and career success, Philly’s young people can build a future where they’re in control. Heights Philadelphia gives students educational programming that unlocks academic and professional results — and a network of people who believe in them.
Because when all students graduate high school and achieve economic mobility, this community thrives.
About the University of Pennsylvania
Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is the nation’s first university, anchored by what Franklin called an inclination to serve mankind. Today, Penn’s academics are boosted by its inherent culture and ecosystem of innovation. You name it, if it’s cutting-edge, the University’s faculty—and students—have their hands in it.
As an Ivy League University grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and enriched by the integrated resources of four undergraduate and 12 graduate schools, Penn offers students an unparalleled education informed by inclusivity, intellectual rigor, research, and the impetus to create new knowledge to the benefit of individuals and communities around the world.
Penn weaves civic awareness and action into campus life, aiming to be a good neighbor with appreciation and respect for Philadelphia, our “City of Brotherly Love.” Penn’s landmark programs and initiatives channel the best ideas and energy into proactive connections with local communities. Students, faculty, and staff have fostered public health, helped improve education at local schools, and stimulated economic development. Penn students’ work and learning in service to society, in collaboration with the community’s knowledge and connections, has led to the creation of projects that not only help the entire Penn community, but also impact the world.
Penn and Philadelphia make each other stronger. This close relationship means that just as the talents, contributions, and priorities of Philadelphians help make Penn a great university, Penn is integral to Philadelphia’s identity as a world-class city.
A Partnership Rooted in Collaboration
Our partnership relies on deep collaboration. With a shared goal of increasing opportunity and access for our youth, we recognized that together we could bridge the gap between the information available to students on applying to college, and the wealth of knowledge held by experienced admissions professionals. Together, we work to create more opportunities for all students to learn about the college application process.
Heights provides significant expertise in the complex ecosystems of high schools, as well as students and their lived experiences. Penn Admissions serves as the project sponsor and curriculum provider and contributes a deep understanding of the selective college admissions process. Our organizations work closely together to develop coursework that meets the needs of both students and facilitators.
Together, our organizations are uniquely poised to understand the challenges high school students face when approaching college applications. With Heights Philadelphia’s legacy of transforming the pathways to college and career for Philly students, and Penn’s insight into the admissions process, our shared goal of empowering students to submit their best college applications through education, access to information, and resources brought this special partnership to life.
College Access Projects that Empower Students
We believe that our collective resources and distinctive strengths can help make college admissions concepts accessible to a broader audience of students. Our partnership motivates us to be more effective and responsive, centering the needs of students and school communities at this moment.
In fact, our first joint curriculum project was the asynchronous, self-paced Applying to College 101 course, released on the Coursera platform in 2023. As of July 2025, nearly 10,000 learners have enrolled in this course and demystified their college applications. The College App Classroom course is a continuation of our cooperative efforts, borne of clear demand from educators for a means to guide students through the college application process. We have now launched 12 pilot programs throughout Philadelphia in close collaboration, learning, improving, and consistently led by our mission to best serve students in their college application journeys and support educators who want the best for their students.