Scranton, PA — The University of Success, a four-year pre-college enrichment program offered through The University of Scranton, has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation as part of the foundation’s 2025 spring grant cycle. The funding will support expanded programming designed to help promising local high school students pursue higher education and long-term success.
The Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation (SACF), is known for backing initiatives that drive educational, economic, and social outcomes in the Northeastern Pennsylvania community. Since its inception, the foundation has contributed more than $6 million to local programs that improve life opportunities for residents.
The grant will strengthen the University of Success’s mission to prepare students beginning in Grade 9 through Grade 12 with a combination of mentorship, academic seminars, developmental enrichment courses, and college preparation assistance. The program — offered at no cost to students — aims to foster confidence, critical thinking, and college readiness among participants.
Program leaders said the funding will help expand core services such as test preparation, leadership workshops, and college guidance, which are crucial for students navigating the path from high school to higher education. Graduates of the program boast high rates of college enrollment across a variety of institutions, reflecting the positive impact of sustained, personalized support.
“This grant is an investment in our students’ futures,” said a representative from the University of Success. “With support from the Spitz Foundation, we can extend our reach and provide deeper engagement opportunities that empower young people to pursue their academic goals with confidence.”
The University of Success — originally established in 1996 — builds a supportive educational community where students develop academic skills, cultural awareness, and the self-assurance needed to excel in college admissions and beyond. Alumni of the program have gone on to enroll in well-regarded colleges and universities and have pursued careers across diverse fields.
The Robert H. Spitz Foundation’s latest grant underscores the ongoing importance of community-based support programs that bridge gaps in access and opportunity for high school students, especially those with aspirations for higher learning in competitive academic environments.
