Month: August 2021

coronavirus

Local nonprofit gives low-income students free room makeovers to boost learning

August 10, 2021

When the pandemic forced a transition to the virtual classroom last year, Philadelphia students lost the mindfulness of a well-designed learning space. Young learners of all ages swapped science displays, art projects, and inspirational sayings from a diverse array of biographical posters for makeshift study areas in bedrooms, kitchens, and basement couches. | From: Metro Philadelphia (Read more.)

Education

Prospective teachers of color struggle on Pennsylvania licensing exams

August 10, 2021

While 62% of Pennsylvania’s elementary teacher candidates pass the state licensing test on the first try, teacher candidates of color at all but a few of the state’s teacher preparation programs have lower pass rates.

At some schools, two of three prospective teachers of color fail the licensing test the first time around — setting them up for pricey and time-consuming retakes. | From: Chalkbeat Philadelphia (Read more.)

Health

18+ low-cost—and even free—mental health services in Philadelphia

August 10, 2021

If you’re facing barriers to getting the care you need, take heart: These city, state, academic, and local nonprofits are just some of the many local resources offering free and low-cost support for mental health care. There are also additional resources available from the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Health and Behavioral Services, listed here and here. (And if you know of other free or low-cost resources, please contact us at info@thephiladelphiacitizen.org.) | From: The Citizen (Read more.)

coronavirus

Healing in the Hood honors gun violence victims

August 10, 2021

For Malik Clark, 21, basketball has always been a way to keep busy and out of trouble. This Sunday, the game will also work as a form of group therapy. Forty young people, all of whom have been affected by gun violence, will play for a $1,500 prize they will donate to a local nonprofit of their choosing. | From: WHYY (Read more.)

Education

Cheyney to use COVID stimulus funds to erase unpaid student bills

August 10, 2021

Cheyney University, the nation’s oldest historically Black college, has announced that it will erase unpaid student bills since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The southeastern Pennsylvania university said on its Facebook page Friday that in light of the hardships students and their families have experienced, it will forgive student balances from the spring 2020, fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters. | From: WHYY (Read more.)