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Funding Accelerate Philly

Building Brighter Futures: Our $40 Million Commitment to Philadelphia’s Public Schools

Join us as we Accelerate Philly

“A strong public education system is essential to the well-being of Philadelphia and its people…Only through sufficient, stable funding can schools offer the instructional supports and enrichment necessary for students to thrive. With continued investment in public education, Philadelphia can foster economic progress, strengthen communities, and advance equity.” – Jennifer Stavrakos, Program Director, Great Learning, William Penn Foundation

Join Us in Funding Accelerate Philly
 

In May 2023, the School District of Philadelphia launched Accelerate Philly – a transformational plan for improving outcomes for all students by 2028 and accelerating progress to become the fastest improving urban school district in the nation.

An ambitious plan requires bold investments. You can learn about our Funding Accelerate Philly plan here.

Over the next five years, The Fund will raise $40 million in philanthropic dollars to advance the actions and evidenced-based models within Accelerate Philly’s five priority areas.

Our first step: Raising $6 million by July 2024

Join Us in Funding Accelerate Philly

 


Priority 1: Improve Safety and Wellbeing

Safe environments are critical for our students and staff to learn and grow. This includes physical, social-emotional, and environmental safety. 

We Accelerate Philly by investing in: 

  • Better Buildings, with updates and improvements made to our facilities, and 
  • Safer Schools, by developing innovative violence prevention and student wellness programs 

 

Priority 2: Partner with Families and Communities

Forging strong partnerships and creating clear collaborative structures between the District and our broader community will enable us all to collectively support accelerated student achievement

We Accelerate Philly by investing in:

  • Paying Parents by establishing a parent ambassador role
  • The relaunch of Parent University to provide resources and support to families and community

 

Priority 3: Accelerate Academic Achievement

The district’s primary goal is to provide the learning environments and supports necessary for all students to develop foundational academic skills and graduate college and career ready.  

We Accelerate Philly by investing in:

  • Piloting Evidence-Based High Impact Tutoring in 6 to 8 schools
  • Piloting Learn-to-Swim Programs in different parts of the city in alignment with the curriculum
  • Powering STEM Futures, along with investments in literacy programming and career and technical education 

 

Priority 4: Recruit and Retain Diverse and Highly Effective Teachers (and Talent)

Teachers and school leaders are the most important factor when it comes to student learning and academic growth. 

We Accelerate Philly by investing in: 

  • A Teacher Prep Middle College High School, developed in partnership with colleges and universities, and the Center for Black Educator Development
  • The expansion of “Grow-Your-Own” Programs for aspiring teachers and leaders with attention to historically underserved groups
  • Increasing the Paraprofessional Pipeline
  • Professional Development Opportunities for principals and teachers

 

Priority 5: Deliver Efficient, High Quality, Cost Effective Operations

To drive progress toward accelerated student achievement, the District must have productive and equitable operations supported by high-functioning systems, clear prioritization, and strong accountability.

We Accelerate Philly by investing in: 

  • Brighter Buildings, by improving school grounds and ensuring our buildings are clean
  • Succession Planning for our school leaders

 

Join Us in Funding Accelerate Philly