On May 2nd, Temple's College of Education and Human Development will work with former First Lady Michelle Obama and several other national figures and celebrities to celebrate 8,000 high school seniors as they begin their next chapter - higher education. The College of Education and Human Development is a founding partner of the Reach Higher Philly Chapter and the PA Reach Higher Consortium, which both serve to encourage Philadelphia youth to pursue education beyond high school. Part of the Reach Higher campaign includes Better Make Room, a campaign that highlights the stories of current high school and college students. This effort has been possible under the leadership of Patience Lehrman, director of Temple's Intergenerational Center and special assistant to the Dean. 

 

In a statement by Dean Gregory Anderson, he notes, "The College of Education and Human Development once again has the opportunity to host this momentous event thanks to our long-standing commitment to promoting access to postsecondary education and strategic investments in faculty and staff who focus on community-based initiatives and partnerships. Thanks to Patience for her leadership and efforts to secure this opportunity for the College." 

 

Michelle Obama will be joined by an impressive group, including Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Zendaya, Ciara, Questlove, Jidenna, Nick Cannon, Ellie Kemper, Kelly Rowland, Rebel Wilson and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, among others.

 

To attend the event, please secure your free ticket. To further support our graduating seniors, please wear your own college shirt on May 2nd and post pictures using the hashtags #CollegeSigningDay #BetterMakeRoom, #ReachhigherPHL, and #TempleCOE.