U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle presented an $850,000 check to Holy Family University to help fund its new First-Generation Success and Innovation Hub.
The funding will provide resources such as academic mentoring, career guidance and financial literacy support to the nearly 40 percent of Holy Family students who are the first in their families to attend college.
“I know how challenging it can be to navigate higher education without a roadmap,” Boyle said. “This funding will help create a hub where students can access the resources and community they need to not only succeed academically, but also build the confidence and skills to thrive in their careers and lives. It’s an investment in their future and in the strength of our community.”
Boyle presented the check to Prisco during Holy Family’s First-Gen Celebration Day, an event held annually on Nov. 8 that honors Holy Family students who are the first in their family to attend college.
“Thank you to Congressman Brendan Boyle for this historic investment in first-generation college students here in Northeast Philadelphia,” said Holy Family University President Anne Prisco. “As a first-generation college student, and the president of a university with a population of 45% first-generation college students, I can’t echo enough how important this funding will be to our students. Nationally, only 27% of first-gen students complete their bachelor’s degree in four years, and this funding is a commitment to change that. From one first-gen student to another, thank you, Congressman Boyle.” ••