Temple University held a special ceremony last week in recognition of the new incoming class of 20/20 Scholarship winners: 23 students from neighborhoods surrounding Temple’s main campus.

“I can’t think of a worthier goal for this university than to support a scholarship like this,” said Temple University President Neil D. Theobald in his address to the students. “As someone who only went to college because of a scholarship, I know how important these awards are to reaching your future goals.”

The 20/20 Scholarships — 250 four-year scholarships to be awarded over 10 years to students in the North Philadelphia neighborhoods surrounding Temple’s main campus are awarded to incoming students who reside within the 19121, 19122, 19132 and 19133 zip codes — at the time of application for admission. The $5,000 per year award helps meet tuition needs not covered other scholarships, student loans and institutional aid.

During the ceremony held in Sullivan Hall, President Theobald was joined by community leaders, including Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke and local business owner Chet Riddick, president of Alpha Office Supplies and David Derr of Staples.

Clarke, who also represents the 5th Council District which includes North Central Philadelphia, commended Temple for its commitment to helping Philadelphia students attend college.

“This university is an asset to the city of Philadelphia,” he said “Temple is one of the top employers of North Philadelphia residents. There are people who can say that they work and live in this district, and with the help of this scholarship we can now also say that people who live here attend school in their district.”

For many students figuring out how to pay for college can be one of the toughest parts of earning their degree—but it doesn’t have to be, says Gloria Barrow, whose son Sabir Hall received a scholarship this year.

“College can be expensive,” said Barrow said. “I wanted my son to be able to attend college without worrying too much about how he was going to pay for his education. The scholarship made it easier for him to focus on his studies.”

Since its founding, Temple has been dedicated to providing higher education for Philadelphians. The university has educated more Philadelphia residents than any other university in Southeast Pennsylvania — and possibly Pennsylvania. Last year, approximately 23 percent of Temple’s students were from Philadelphia. According to Temple University’s 2012 annual report, among college-educated individuals, one out of every seven residents in the Philadelphia area received at least one degree from Temple.

Temple works closely with the School District of Philadelphia, the city of Philadelphia and many other partners to prepare, recruit, enroll and graduate city students through efforts ranging from middle school early intervention to full scholarships.

Programs include early college courses, college preparation and a dual admission partnership with the Community College of Philadelphia. The university also offers GED instruction, community education and seminars for North Philadelphia youth and young adults on how to get into college.

For more information on the Temple 20/20 scholarships, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Temple at 215-204-7200.

Learn more about how to support the scholarship through OwlFund.