Attollo on Tour: Exploring Philly & D.C., One Campus at a Time
NEW PLACES. NEW PERSPECTIVES. NEW CONFIDENCE.
At Attollo, we don’t just prepare students for college—we bring them to the doorstep. We know that one of the most powerful ways to inspire belief is through direct experience. By walking the campuses, sitting in lecture halls, and hearing directly from admissions teams, our scholars begin to imagine themselves in spaces they once thought were out of reach.
For many, these trips are full of firsts: the first time stepping onto an Ivy League quad, asking a question in a real admissions session, or seeing their reflection in students already making it on campus. That kind of exposure changes everything. It turns possibility into plan. Because when you see it, you start to believe it—and belief changes outcomes.
This December, Attollo hit the road again for our second round of college tours. Four groups of scholars traveled across Washington D.C. and Philadelphia to explore eight campuses in total—each tour filled with connection, insight, and the clarity that comes from simply being there.
Penn Manor Heads to D.C.
Scholars from Penn Manor kicked off the month with a tour that paired D.C.’s storied history with the warmth of a suburban liberal arts campus. First stop: Georgetown University, where students were immersed in the prestige, energy, and legacy of one of the nation’s most historic institutions. As they walked the same cobblestone paths as future world leaders and changemakers, they saw just how far their own ambitions could stretch.
From there, the group made their way north to Goucher College in Towson, Maryland — a radically different but equally eye-opening experience. Nestled in a quieter setting, Goucher offered students a chance to envision a more intimate, personalized version of college life. After a full afternoon of touring and learning, scholars wrapped up their day over dinner at the Broadway Diner in Baltimore — trading thoughts about majors, campus vibes, and what kind of environment might be the right fit for them.
Ephrata High School Explores the Capital
Also headed to D.C. were students from Ephrata High School, who spent the day exploring two campuses with deep connections to public service, global engagement, and city-based learning. Their day began at George Washington University, where they toured the Foggy Bottom campus, visited the bookstore, and grabbed lunch nearby at Western Market. Situated just blocks from the White House and the National Mall, GW made a strong impression with its fast-paced environment and wide-ranging academic offerings.
In the afternoon, the group transitioned to American University — known for its focus on international relations, media, and leadership. Tucked into a green space on the northwest side of the city, the campus offered a quieter contrast to the morning’s visit. The tour ended with a group stop at the Washington Monument before heading to dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe, where students reflected on how college might feel in the middle of a major metropolitan city .
Manheim Central + Warwick Tour Philly
Scholars from Manheim Central and Warwick High Schools traveled together to Philadelphia for a jam-packed tour featuring Drexel University and Temple University. The group began their day at Drexel, where they explored the bookstore and attended an official info session and campus tour. Known for its co-op programs and urban innovation, Drexel sparked conversations about experiential learning and future career paths.
After lunch at Shake Shack, the group headed to Temple University — a campus full of energy, culture, and Broad Street pride. The tour gave students insight into the diversity of academic life at a large public university, and a few Attollo alumni even met up to offer their personal perspectives. The day wrapped up with visits to the campus bookstore, the Philadelphia Holiday Market, and dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe — ending the trip on a high note with full hearts and full plates.
Manheim Township Visits Penn + St. Joe’s
Manheim Township scholars experienced two very different institutions in a single day. First, they explored the Ivy League experience at the University of Pennsylvania — starting with a visit to the campus bookstore before diving into an admissions session and walking tour. With its blend of history, prestige, and academic rigor, Penn helped students see how hard work and vision can open doors to elite spaces.
After lunch on campus, the group visited the festive Philadelphia Holiday Market before continuing to Saint Joseph’s University. There, students were welcomed by admissions staff and taken on a guided tour of a campus rooted in community and service. The day wrapped up with dinner at Hymie’s Delicatessen, where scholars recharged, recapped the day, and began to connect the dots between what they saw and what they hope to pursue in the future.
At Attollo, college tours are about more than admissions presentations and campus maps — they’re about helping scholars see what’s possible. Whether walking the quiet quads of Goucher or the high-energy walkways of Temple, students gained real exposure to what college can look and feel like. And in doing so, they came one step closer to envisioning the future they want for themselves — and believing they belong there.
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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