Senator Haywood and Commonwealth University promote college access with expo

PHILADELPHIA – Commonwealth University and Pennsylvania State Sen. Art Haywood (PA-4) partnered to host a college expo for more than 150 high school students at Enon Tabernacle Church on Monday, April 29 as part of Sen. Haywood’s Higher Ed Week Initiative. The event provided an opportunity for students in Haywood’s district to prepare for college by learning about the application process and college life.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with President Hanna and the Commonwealth University team over the years and am thrilled about the opportunities available to students from my district to gain access to higher education opportunities,” Haywood said. “Access to higher education opportunities is critical for young people and we must meet them where they are.”

Students in attendance had access to resource tables and college administrative staff from CU to learn and ask questions about the college application process. The expo covered topics such as the benefits of higher education, how to choose the right major, navigating scholarships and financial aid and what life as a college student looks like.

“We’re proud to partner with Senator Haywood on this annual college expo and provide students with an accessible path to a college degree at the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield campuses of Commonwealth University,” explained Bashar Hanna, president of CU. “We look forward to the continued collaboration with Senator Haywood and our partner school districts in Philadelphia to provide affordable, life-changing educational opportunities to students.”

“This continued partnership with Senator Haywood’s office aligns with Commonwealth University’s strategic goal of providing pathways for underrepresented students from PA school districts to earn a degree,” said Albert Jones, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. “At CU, we strive every day to build a living and learning environment that is welcoming and inclusive for students of color to belong to.”

The event included students from Cheltenham, Building 21, Martin Luther King, Imhotep Institute Charter and Hill-Freedman high schools.

“Commonwealth University is excited to have a strong partnership with Senator Haywood in making an accessible college degree a reality for the students in his district,” said Stephen Lee, vice president for enrollment management at Commonwealth University. “The CU admissions team enjoys working closely with students to showcase all the great opportunities available at our Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield campuses.”