Guest Commentary

Young People Need More than Just a Paycheck

Learning real-world skills before graduation is critical to securing a wealth-building job. The president/CEO of Philadelphia Youth Network calls on all of us to help young Philadelphians get ahead

By Wendy-Anne Roberts-Johnson
Business for Good

Made Institute

Couture designer Rachel Ford traded her fashion career for one that teaches amateurs — 225 so far — to pursue their own design dreams. Now, national brands are paying attention

By Courtney DuChene

“You Can’t Be Denied If You Haven’t Applied”

Penn and the Heights have launched a program to help high schoolers navigate their way through college applications. A longtime university president visited a classroom at Carver to learn more

By Elaine Maimon

A Modern Day Rosie The Riveter

Trailblazer Elaine McGuire is leading the charge to attract and train more electricians like her: Black women.

By Courtney DuChene

Civics Out Loud

An iconic Philadelphia author and youth voting activist outlines a day in the life of politically engaged local students, lesson by lesson

By Lorene Cary

War on Antisemitism — or Distraction from Bigotry?

A longtime university president calls out the hypocrisy of Trump’s campaign to protect Jewish students

By Elaine Maimon
Ideas We Should Steal

Schools of Civic Thought

15 universities in 10 states — including Yale and University of Texas — have launched programs that focus on thinking and citizenship. We could use more of that here, too

By Benjamin Storey and Jenna Silber Storey
Ideas We Should Steal Festival 2025

Hope Chicago, Multigenerational College Access

Hope Chicago offers free college for public school students and one member of their family to break the cycle of poverty. Chief Program Officer Michele Howard will talk about its success at The Citizen’s 8th annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival November 14.

By Elaine Maimon
Guest Commentary

Don’t Cut Off this Lifeline for English Learners

In a city where one in five students are English language learners, we can’t afford not to support their education

By Alyn Turner and Sean Vanatta

Young People, You Can Do Well and Do Good

Being young is hard these days. That’s why a longtime university president recommends a life in public service.

By Elaine Maimon