Peirce Serving as Educational Partner in United Way’s Lubert IDA Program

PHILADELPHIA – United Way of Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey (UWGPSJ) is partnering with Peirce College to expand access to low-income residents interested in completing a career-focused undergraduate program to advance their professional goals.

Peirce College is serving as the educational partner of United Way’s Lubert Individual Development Account (IDA) Program, which helps low-income residents in nine counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to complete their college education through a matched savings program. Eligible participants are required to contribute $1,000, which is then matched by a $3,000 grant.

“One the greatest barriers our neighbors face in lifting themselves out of poverty and improving their lives is the cost of post-secondary education,” said Bill Golderer, president & CEO, UWGPSNJ. “For the first time in the history of our IDA program, we’re partnering with an academic institution, putting a college education in reach for more people in our community. We’re grateful to Peirce College for their partnership and their commitment to building pathways to education.”

“All across our region there are students with the drive to pursue their educations – but for many of them, the lack of financial support makes it difficult to bring that dream to life,” Dr. Nikia Owens, UWGPSNJ’s managing director of Financial Empowerment, added. “By helping students match what they save toward continuing education, United Way and Pierce College are helping build the foundation for lifelong financial stability that will pay dividends now and in the future.”

Candidates for the program must live in Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery or Delaware counties in Pennsylvania or in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May or Cumberland counties in New Jersey.

“We are honored to partner with the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey as the educational partner of this innovative program,” said Dr. Mary Ellen Caro, president and CEO of Peirce College. “So many students have the will and aptitude to finish their degree and advance their lives, but run into financial barriers that make it almost impossible for them to achieve their goals. This program is removing those barriers.”

Visit https://www.peirce.edu/about-peirce/peirce-partners/united-way-IDA to learn more about the program.

About United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey

United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, serving communities in Pennsylvania’s Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, and New Jersey’s Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May and Cumberland counties, is part of a national network of more than 1,300 locally governed organizations that work to create lasting positive changes in communities and in people’s lives. United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. In Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, United Way fights for youth success and family stability because we LIVE UNITED against intergenerational poverty. For more information about United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey visit www.UnitedForImpact.org.

Media Contact:

Amanda Hill 717.314.1315
amhill@peirce.edu