The Fattah Conference on Higher Education was originally founded as the Graduate Opportunities Conference in 1987 by Chaka Fattah, a State Senator at the time. Chaka Fattah, currently a Congressman representing the 2nd District in Pennsylvania, designed the two-day conference in an effort to increase enrollment of underrepresented students in graduate and professional schools. For many years the conference attendees were either Pennsylvania residents or students attending Pennsylvania institutions of higher learning. More recently, as Mr. Fattah has ascended to the national stage, the conference has expanded to students that attend from as far south as North Carolina.

Past conference speakers have included Susan L. Taylor, Editorial Director of Essence Magazine; Dr. Benjamin Carson, director of pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions; the late, Dr. Israel Tribble Jr., past President of the Florida Endowment Fund for Higher Education; The Honorable Nelson Diaz, former Judge of the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas; Reverend Jesse Jackson founder of Operation PUSH and the 'Three Doctors' from Newark, New Jersey - Dr. Sampson Davis, Dr. Rameck Hunt, and Dr. George Jenkins. In addition to motivational speakers, partnerships have been developed with many institutions of higher learning and representatives lead workshops and other sessions at the conference. This level of participation ensures that we are always providing pertinent information on the admissions and financial processes, and addressing individual career interests with suggestions on relevant degree programs.

Many students aspire to pursue advanced degrees; however, oftentimes during their undergraduate careers various challenges appear to derail their dreams. This conference serves as a vehicle to renew their drive, reaffirm their commitment and provide the necessary resources to assist them in the attainment of their educational pursuits.