Philadelphia, October 18, 2010 – The City of Philadelphia’s PhillyGoes2College Office is hosting a series of citywide events during College Awareness Week, which runs from October 17th- October 21st. The weeklong series of workshops, activities and informational sessions is available to adults, parents, and middle and high school students who want to learn more about college education opportunities. Events include the NACAC 2010 College Fair, information sessions on preparing for and financing college, a college application workshop, and an information session on educational opportunities available to City employees, including the Mayor’s Returning to Learning 25% Tuition Discount Program.rnrn“Sharing information with the public about college education opportunities is an important step toward doubling the number of college graduates in Philadelphia by the year 2018,†said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “We want to provide the resources and tools to help people of all ages and backgrounds identify, work toward and reach their college education goals.â€rnrnThe 2nd annual College Awareness Week is sponsored by the PhillyGoes2College Office, which opened in February, 2010 as a “one-stop shop†for information and assistance for Philadelphians interested in attending and completing college. Over the last two years, the number of Philadelphians who hold a college undergraduate degree increased from 18% to 21%. The City has implemented a wide variety of initiatives to increase college participation from Philadelphia residents, including partnering with community organizations and training City employees to help college applicants complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This contributed to a 12% increase in financial aid applications and an additional $194 million in financial aid for Philadelphia students.rnrnA lineup of the 2010 College Awareness Week events is as follows:rnrnNACAC National College FairrnSunday, Oct. 17th, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1100 Arch Street.rnRepresentatives from over 450 colleges and universities will be present.rnrnCollege Planning for Students with Learning DifferencesrnMonday, Oct. 18th, 6 p.m.—8 p.m.; Free Library of Philadelphia,1901 Vine St, Room 108rnThis workshop is for parents of students with learning differences.rnrnEverything Adults Need to Know About Going to CollegernMonday, Oct. 18th, 6 p.m.—8 p.m.; Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St, Skyline Room, 4th FloorrnCome learn about how to pay for college and fit classes into your busy life.rnrnCollege Prep NightrnTuesday Oct. 19th, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Community College of Philadelphia, Winnet Student Life Building, 2nd Floor, Room S219rnThis event is for middle and high school students and their parents. There will be a workshop on financing a college education. In addition, current college students will share their experiences financing college and life on campus. An academic program fair featuring opportunities for students to get involved will also be open to students and parents.rnrnCollege Application WorkshoprnWednesday Oct. 20th, 3 PM – 6 PM, Drexel University (registration required)rnGet hands on help with your college application! Open to high school seniors, registration is required. To register, visit http://www.phillygoes2college.org/college-application-workshop or call the PhillyGoes2College office at 215-686-0315.rnrnEverything Adults Need To Know About Going To College (for City of Philadelphia employees only)rnThursday, October 21st, 5:30 PM -7 PM Municipal Services Building, 1401 JFK Blvd., 16th floor, Rooms X and YrnrnThis program will focus on how to juggle your busy schedule with taking classes. Also, an update on the Mayor’s Returning to Learning Partnership will be provided highlighting those colleges who have joined with us to offer a 25% discount for you, your spouse and dependents.rnrnAbout PhillyGoes2CollegernrnThe PhillyGoes2College Office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Walk-in hours are Monday from noon to 2:00 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Thursday from 10:00 am to noon. Visitors are welcome to stop by the office which is located in Room 115 (at the Northeast entrance of City Hall) or call 215-686-0315. To learn more about PhillyGoes2College log onto www.PhillyGoes2College.com.