Two hundred Philadelphia high school seniors were able to pick up a little bit more than their cap and gown at graduation rehearsal this year. Promise Corps and 12PLUS provided the 200-plus students, who participated in Promise Corps, with a bag of life essentials to celebrate them moving forward in their diverse post-secondary steps.

Whether it includes moving into their first apartment, transitioning into college life at a dorm or off-campus, remaining at home and transitioning into the workforce, taking a gap year, or relocating – seniors were provided dozens of items to support their personal life journey. As part of Promise Corps, the students worked with College and Career Coaches to develop post-secondary action plans.

Promise Corps and 12PLUS staff filled large, canvas laundry bags with household items, such as cutting boards, frying pans, aprons, shower caddies, bed sheets, and even decorative house plants. Laptop accessories and phone chargers were also included along with toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, etc.). Graduating seniors were also able to select books from a variety of titles ranging from “The Stock Market for Teens,” “Adjusting to College Life,” and the best-seller, “What Color is Your Parachute? For Teenagers.”

And what bag of life essentials would be complete without access to a digital resource guide containing reflections and worksheets for post-secondary life? The resource guide includes access to job opportunities for high school graduates, links to benefits specific to young adults, financial literacy materials, mental health resources, and guidance on local elections as they occur. The digital resource guide is a living document that will have additions and updates throughout the year.

With such a unique senior year experience behind them due to COVID-19, we hope all high school seniors are celebrated and recognized during this time of year for their amazing accomplishments and perseverance. These students endured an educational career like no other! Thank you for a memorable school year.

Donations to students were done in partnership with the following entities:

• West Philadelphia High School
• Overbrook High School
• High School of the Future
• Sayre High School
• Kensington Health Sciences Academy
• Kensington High School
• Belmont Charter High School
• Hill-Freedman World Academy
• Penn Treaty High School