Project 440, founded by a Philadelphia Orchestra bassist, transforms high school musicians into community-minded entrepreneurs. | From: The Philadelphia Citizen (Read more.)
Penn expanded the program to specifically attract students of color. Recently, they signed an official agreement with five HBCUs: Morehouse College, Howard University, Oakwood University, Spelman College, and Xavier University of Louisiana. | From: WHYY (Read more.)
Philadelphia, the state’s largest district by far, is among the hardest hit. Over the 10-year period studied, special education costs rose by $347 million while state funding increased by just $27 million. Philadelphia’s enrollment is predominantly Black and Hispanic and low-income. | From: Chalkbeat (Read more.)
Philadelphia Futures and Steppingstone Scholars will merge in the fall, creating an organization with a $10 million annual budget that serves 3,000 city students a year. | From: The Inquirer (Read more.)
According to the program, 82% of the students who participate report that since taking the workshops, their communication skills have improved and that they better understand their emotions. The program also reports that 86% of them feel more confident participating in class. | From: WHYY (Read more.)
In line to get a major funding boost in next year’s city budget, the Free Library of Philadelphia is aiming to make some significant changes to restore service, add staff, and improve internal culture. | From: Billy Penn (Read more.)
Small fees and outsized loans keep many students from graduating. A long-time university president urges colleges to find and support those almost-alums — and those who are still at school. | From: The Philadelphia Citizen (Read more.)
The Philadelphia Parking Authority on Monday announced a resolution to cancel the controversial $10.8 million debt it lodged against the cash-strapped School District of Philadelphia last year, ending a months-long flashpoint between public school advocates and parking officials. | From: The Inquirer (Read more.)
Parents and teachers have complained for years about crumbling and unsafe Philadelphia school buildings, and have called for greater transparency about problems and repair efforts. Now the district hopes a new website will help address those concerns. | From: Chalkbeat (Read more.)
Philadelphia schools can’t ignore rising gun violence if they want to reverse the trend, students said during a Wednesday panel discussion sponsored by Chalkbeat Philadelphia. That means creating safe spaces for students to express their fears and acknowledging that gun violence affects everyone. | From: Chalkbeat (Read more.)
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