Philadelphia Diverse Emerging Leaders (PhiDEL) Scholarship & Internship Program

Purpose: Offers local students from various backgrounds and experiences financial support and hands-on professional experience aligned with their major and career aspirations in real estate and economic development.

Background: Launched in 2025 by PIDC with support from Crow Holdings and Colliers. The program is designed to advance opportunities and outcomes for students interested in pursuing careers in real estate and economic development-related fields.

Geographic Scope: Philadelphia area

Award & Internship Details:

• Scholarships: Up to $5,000 per scholarship
• Number of Awards: Up to 2 scholarships per year
• Internship Component:
  • Real-world experience in work environment matching student's major and career goals
  • Fully funded by the PhiDEL program
  • Summer internship with requirement for physical presence at work location
  • Full-time commitment throughout summer required

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Academic Status: Full-time undergraduates (sophomores, juniors, seniors) OR graduate students
2. Location: Student at a Philadelphia college or university; OR a Philadelphia resident at a college or university studying outside the Philadelphia area
3. Internship Requirement: Must plan to be in Philadelphia for summer internships

Eligible College Majors/Fields:

• Real Estate (or related)
• Business Administration (any business major/concentration)
• Economic Development (or related)
• Law/Legal Studies
• Political Science/Public Policy
• Information Technology
• Marketing/Communications/Public Relations
• Human Resources
• Urban, City or Regional Planning/Design or Architecture
• Entrepreneurship
• Note: Majors named differently but with similar curriculum or degree paths are also eligible

Contact Information:

• Phone: 215-496-8020
• Email: protected email
• Address: 1500 Market Street Suite 3500 West, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Application Process

Note: 2026 application cycle is closed. Next application window expected January 2027.

1. Access Application Portal
   • Applications will open in January 2027
   • Check back at https://pidcphila.com/resource-hub/scholarships/phidel/ in January 2027

Required Application Components

Prepare the following materials:

• Resume
• Clubs & extracurricular activities (list)
• Community service & volunteering (list)
• Honors & awards (list)
• Work & internship experience (if any)
• Four short essays (no more than 500 words each)
• Most recent undergraduate or graduate college/university transcript

Transcript Requirements

• Official transcripts are not required; unofficial transcripts are acceptable
• Full name must be visible on all documentation provided
• Transcript must be a full transcript showing all grades, not just a grade report

Application Timeline

• Application Opens: January 2027
• Application Closes: To be announced (expected early 2027)
• Application cycle repeats: Annually