Why PA Must Fund our Public Universities

Disparities in higher ed lead to societal inequities and damage our democracy. That’s why, a longtime university president urges, our state must do better

By Elaine Maimon

Meet Philadelphia’s Cosmic Writers

This nonprofit brings out the creative writer in school-age students in Philly and beyond. In a city with an abysmal literacy rate, these efforts are paying off.

By Courtney DuChene
Art for Change

The Duality Painter

Patricia Renee’ Thomas’ vibrant paintings portraying Black women and nature balance reality and hope. Here, in the latest Forman Arts Initiative partnership, how she learned and teaches her students to do the same, in art and in life

By Logan Cryer

Can Local Colleges Please Just Work Together?

A long-time university president calls on Philly’s higher education institutions to collaborate to better serve the needs of Philadelphia students.

By Elaine Maimon

What’s (almost) as Bad as Brain Cancer?

When a Citizen editor’s sister gets glioblastoma, her doctors recommend a cutting-edge treatment. Then she rams into the great American healthcare wall: Insurance.

By Lauren McCutcheon

Why Academic Freedom Matters

Gov. Ron DeSantis is not alone in attacking free expression on campus, where censorship is coming from the right and left. Here, a former university president on the dangers of such Orwellian assaults on democracy itself

By Elaine Maimon
Guest Commentary

Do. Learn. Change.

The executive director of an impact evaluation group distills five lessons learned in five years of helping mission-oriented organizations make real change in Philly

By Claire Robertson-Kraft

What Has Happened to Activism?

What do the proposed Sixers arena, UC Townhomes, the selling off of county water and sewer systems, and protests of the Bellwether District have in common? Opposition that is shrill and uncivil. Is the art of persuasion dead?

By Larry Platt

Stop the Public Education Blame Game

A longtime university president responds to a recent Citizen column by urging us to work for constructive solutions that support public education for all students

By Elaine Maimon
Development for Good

Omar Blaik and U3 Advisors

The West Philadelphia guy who tackled Penntrification now works to preserve and enhance neighborhoods around college and corporate campuses nationwide

By Natalie Pompilio