In our latest Community Connections interview, our CEO, Katrina Pratt-Roebuck, interviewed Malik Brown, president and CEO of Graduate! Philadelphia.
Graduate! Philadelphia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting adult learners in Philadelphia, particularly those from low to moderate-income backgrounds, to navigate the complexities of returning to the classroom and pursuing educational and career opportunities.
Watch the full interview here.
During our conversation, Malik provided insights into the critical work that Graduate! Philadelphia does to support adult learners. He emphasized the challenges that individuals face when re-entering education after a long absence, comparing it to navigating a grocery store with endless options. Graduate! Philadelphia offers coaching, advisory, and wraparound services to facilitate individuals’ return to learning, whether through pursuing two or four-year degrees or obtaining workforce development certificates.
One of the standout aspects of Graduate! Philadelphia’s approach is ensuring that educational achievements translate into tangible employment opportunities. Malik highlighted the importance of connecting non-traditional adult learners with employers and engaging in consultative work to ensure that degrees and certificates are valued in the labor market.
Moreover, Malik emphasized the holistic approach that Graduate! Philadelphia adopts. They recognize that returning to education involves addressing various challenges beyond academic pursuits, such as transportation, childcare, behavioral health, food insecurity, and domestic violence. Graduate! Philadelphia collaborates with partner organizations to provide comprehensive support, ensuring that individuals’ holistic needs are met to enhance their chances of success.
Looking ahead, Malik shared his excitement about expanding Graduate! Philadelphia’s reach through additional satellite offices across Philadelphia. They aim to replicate and customize their successful models by attaching themselves to existing community infrastructure, much like the Starbucks in a Target store, making their services more accessible and integrated into diverse neighborhoods.
Be sure to stay connected and to support the mission of Graduate! Philadelphia by visiting graduatephiladelphia.org/
Support Graduate! Philadelphia and donate today.
About Community Connections: Uplifting the Work of the Non-Profit and Public Sectors
The “Community Connections” series aims to provide a deeper insight into the resources available for individuals in need. By engaging in intimate and insightful conversations with public and non-profit leaders, we strive to build trust and foster a greater understanding of the impactful work being done to uplift our communities.
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Let’s continue to uplift and empower our communities together!