News Summary
The School District of Philadelphia introduces The Academy at Penn, an initiative supported by an $8 million grant to help underserved high school students prepare for college and careers. Partnering with the University of Pennsylvania, the program will support approximately 200 students at two high schools, providing academic resources, mentorship, and real-world learning experiences. The initiative aims to address barriers faced by first-generation college students and is part of the larger Accelerate Philly plan for improving educational outcomes.
Philadelphia – The School District of Philadelphia has introduced The Academy at Penn, a significant college and career initiative funded by an $8 million grant to support underserved students. This collaborative program, developed in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, aims to prepare students for future opportunities in higher education and their careers.
The Academy at Penn will begin by serving students at High School of the Future and Horace Howard Furness High School. This initiative is designed to blend academic learning with real-world experiences, work opportunities, and mentorship, thereby offering comprehensive support for participating students and their families.
Over its inaugural year, the initiative is set to assist around 200 high school students. These students will receive enhanced resources and support, which include year-round academic help, career exposure, social-emotional resources, and dedicated program counselors at their respective schools.
The program’s structure will also incorporate Saturday classes and summer sessions held on the University of Pennsylvania campus. Additionally, students will gain opportunities for internships and personalized mentorship as part of their participation in the program.
This unique partnership is a result of collaboration among the School District of Philadelphia, Foundations Inc., and the Consortium for Policy Research in Education. The Superintendent of the School District expressed that there is no other city or school district in the nation with a college partnership of this kind, underscoring the potential impact of the initiative on the educational landscape.
Being part of the larger Accelerate Philly plan aimed at improving educational outcomes, the initiative specifically addresses barriers faced by first-generation college students and those coming from under-resourced neighborhoods. It reflects a significant commitment to educational equity, with a focus on providing the necessary support and resources to help these students succeed.
The funding for The Academy at Penn comes from a generous donation by Robert Schwartz, president of the Schwartz Creed Foundation. His contribution highlights the importance of community support in fostering educational initiatives aimed at improving the lives of students.
Students enrolled in the program will encounter a transformative educational experience. For instance, ninth-grader Maurice Morris shared his excitement about the new opportunities and resources that the program will offer. The Dean of the Graduate School of Education also commented on the vital nature of studying this initiative, which seeks to improve public education collaboratively.
Rich Mitchell, a former principal, has been appointed Executive Director of The Academy at Penn. Under his leadership, the initiative aims to function as a national model for improving educational access and quality for underserved students. Foundations, Inc. plays a key role as a national nonprofit that focuses on enhancing educational standards, ensuring that children receive the quality education they deserve.
The Academy at Penn is positioned not only as a local beacon of hope for students in Philadelphia but also as a comprehensive framework that could inspire similar educational programs nationwide. By addressing the needs of students who are often overlooked, the initiative aspires to make a lasting impact on their academic and career trajectories.
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Additional Resources
- Philadelphia Tribune
- Philadelphia Inquirer
- The Daily Pennsylvanian
- GovTech
- The Daily Pennsylvanian
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Google Search: Philadelphia education initiatives
- Google Scholar: Philadelphia college readiness
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: Philadelphia schools college career program
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PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
