Mayor Nutter Announces $16 Million in Support of Philadelphia education

Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced a new, more than $16.2 million investment over the next four years by the Middleton family for educational, workforce training, and professional development programming.  John S. and Leigh Middleton selected eight targeted education efforts in which their investment will be distributed: the School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Academies, Inc., Philadelphia Youth Network and Drexel University through the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.

“The Middleton family is making a game-changing investment in the future of the City of Philadelphia.  This donation will build the educational infrastructure and create learning and workforce opportunities,” said Mayor Nutter.  “Building a system of great schools and career-oriented programs, we ensure Philadelphia has a 21st century workforce, ready to compete in the global economy.”

John S. Middleton said, “In every great struggle, there comes a tipping point, that critical moment when an infusion of resources - people, effort and assets - is necessary to prevail.  For the school district, we believe that tipping point is now.  We are excited to invest in this ambitious project for the school district and workforce development sectors.  We are looking forward to seeing the substantive positive impact it will have on Philadelphians in the future.”

Drexel University will receive two grants on behalf of the Digital On-Ramps collaborative, which seeks to use online and other data sharing technology to allow more individuals to engage in life-long learning opportunities.

Part of the funding will be provided for the development and launch of ‘Leadership for Change’ coordinated through Drexel’s Center for Strategic Leadership in the LeBow College of Business, which will offer coaching and development for leadership fellows.

The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey will oversee four grants to benefit the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program on behalf of the School District of Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Academies, Inc. will receive one grant to fund the Career Academy Expansion for curriculum, professional and digital technology development to support 5,000 students in 16 new career academies to be housed in four target schools. The programming will emphasize digital literacy and the acquisition of 21st century workforce skills by students. 

Philadelphia Youth Network will receive one grant to support the Council for College and Career Success’ plan to replicate effective career-linked education for 5,000 workforce development providers. As part of the funding, a third party will be secured to conduct evaluations measuring the effectiveness of the city’s youth workforce programs and digitally-based skill assessment tools.

For more information on the announcement, contact Mark McDonald, press secretary, Mayor’s Office of Communications, City of Philadelphia, at 215-686-6210.