Attollo on Tour: Visiting Colleges Across Philly & D.C.
Opening minds. Broadening horizons. Seeing what’s possible.
At Attollo, exposure isn’t just a value—it’s a key component of our program. We believe that putting scholars in new environments, surrounding them with excellence, and letting them walk the very paths they aspire to one day follow can be transformational. College tours aren’t just about seeing campuses—they’re about expanding belief. For many of our scholars, these moments mark the first time they’ve stepped onto a college campus, dined in a student union, or asked questions face-to-face with admissions reps. These experiences help answer one of the biggest questions our scholars carry: Can I really see myself here?
That’s why we go. That’s why we plan, fund, and drive hundreds of miles. Because it’s hard to be what you can’t see—and these tours give our students the opportunity to picture themselves thriving in spaces. This fall, we hit the road for three unforgettable tours across Philadelphia and Washington D.C., each packed with real moments of connection, inspiration, and discovery.
Lancaster Catholic High School
Students from Lancaster Catholic High School spent a full day in Philadelphia exploring two standout institutions: Villanova University and St. Joseph’s University. The trip began with a crisp morning walk across Villanova’s beautiful stone pathways, where scholars were greeted by the buzz of campus life in full swing. During the admissions info session, students heard firsthand what the university looks for in applicants, what makes a Villanova education unique, and how its values of service and leadership echo through every part of the student experience. From there, scholars explored the quad, toured academic buildings, and caught glimpses of dorm life—beginning to envision themselves in those spaces just a few years from now.
In the afternoon, the group made their way to St. Joseph’s University, a campus that offered a more intimate feel while still rooted in the energy of Philadelphia. Here, scholars learned about the university’s mission-driven focus, the strength of its community, and the wide range of majors and global programs offered. In between tours, students dined on campus alongside current students, further absorbing what day-to-day college life really looks like. One of the most impactful moments of the trip came when the group ran into Attollo alumni—graduates now attending these very schools—who shared stories of their journeys and offered relatable, grounded advice. Being able to connect with peers just a few years older made college feel less like a distant dream and more like an exciting reality waiting to be claimed.
Conestoga Valley High School
Conestoga Valley scholars embarked on a powerful full-day tour through two top-tier institutions near the heart of the nation’s capital: the University of Maryland and American University. The morning started on the expansive, energetic campus of the University of Maryland, where students were struck by the sheer scale of the university and the diversity of activity happening all around them. From the sweeping mall to the engineering and business school hubs, UMD’s tour gave scholars a vivid look at what it’s like to be part of a massive research institution—complete with world-class facilities, Big Ten spirit, and a thriving academic culture. Plus, our student tour guides offered stories and insights that brought the campus to life.
After exploring Maryland, the group traveled into D.C. for their next stop: American University. Nestled in a quieter, tree-lined corner of the city, American offered a stark but exciting contrast. With a reputation for international relations, public policy, and social justice, the university spoke directly to students interested in making a difference through leadership and advocacy. Walking through campus, scholars saw firsthand how education could be intertwined with global perspectives, internships, and city engagement. To wrap up the day, students refueled with a classic stop at the Broadway Diner in Baltimore—sharing pancakes, burgers, and reflections on all they had seen. This tour gave students a deeper understanding of how a college experience can be shaped by both campus culture and its surrounding environment.
Elizabethtown Area High School + Community Cohort
The final tour of the season brought together scholars from Elizabethtown Area High School and Attollo’s community cohort—students representing Hempfield, McCaskey, and Lancaster Mennonite—for a day filled with rich conversations and iconic campus stops. Their journey began at the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution with deep roots in academic excellence and innovation. Walking through Locust Walk and past historic halls, students felt the gravity and prestige of the university, yet were surprised by how welcoming and accessible it felt. The admissions presentation painted a picture of what it takes to thrive at Penn, while the tour highlighted a blend of old-world tradition and cutting-edge opportunity.
A standout moment of the day was sharing lunch with current Penn students who also happened to be Attollo alumni. Over lunch, alumni opened up about their experiences adjusting to college life, managing rigorous coursework, and staying connected to their roots. These unfiltered conversations added real meaning to the visit—reminding scholars that they’re not only capable of reaching these spaces, but they also belong there. The afternoon continued with a trip to Ursinus College, a smaller liberal arts school that offered a different but equally powerful environment. Scholars appreciated the close-knit feel, personal attention from faculty, and emphasis on exploration across disciplines. Before heading home, students visited both campus bookstores—grabbing sweatshirts, stickers, and journals as small souvenirs of a big day. The trip wrapped up with a group dinner at Shake Shack, filled with laughter, questions, and an overwhelming sense of motivation to keep pushing toward their goals.
About Attollo:
Attollo is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth through education. By providing mentorship, academic enrichment, and college preparation support, Attollo aims to level the playing field and equip students with the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond. Since its inception, Attollo has helped thousands of students realize their potential and achieve their academic goals.
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