Each day, our team is in the field and on the ground, providing direct service, technical assistance, and civic engagement activities leading to policy and practice shifts in public education. The following is a "day in the life" snapshot of our work in our schools and communities.
We enhance teaching and learning
Middle grades teachers at three Philadelphia schools are receiving technical assistance to help keep their students on track to graduation. We are providing assistance through a data-driven system that was developed in-house and is based on our research with Johns Hopkins University. Students and families are receiving support from the Ed Fund's onsite coordinator, a City Year corps of 9–14 members, and a Communities in Schools' social service coordinator.
> Learn more about Diplomas Now
Philadelphia Teacher Residency "residents" are currently working toward a Master of Education degree at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education while simultaneously working in the classroom with an experienced mentor teacher. They will enter the teaching profession in September 2010 filling the urgent need that the School District of Philadelphia has for math and science teachers. In five years, we will have prepared 160 new math and science teachers.
> Learn more about Philadelphia Teacher Residency
We assist students to access and succeed in postsecondary education
Middle grades and high school students in 21 Philadelphia public schools are receiving support from the College Access Program, which provides college-going and college-readiness support to thousands of students and adults annually.
> Learn more about College Access
Nearly 300 Philadelphia public school youth are studying at colleges and universities across the country with a Philadelphia Scholars "Last Dollar" scholarship.
> Learn more about Philadelphia Scholars
Knowledgeable professionals are ready to provide college-going services free to the community-at-large at two community-based College Access Centers.
> Learn more about College Access Centers
We convene and engage public education stakeholders
We host a monthly forum for education stakeholders that explores school reform issues and lends a critical perspective to the School District of Philadelphia.
> Learn more about the Education First Compact
Real neighborhood high school reform is happening in Germantown and Olney as our staff is engaging community, civic, and religious leaders in understanding the importance of quality secondary (grades 6–12) education.
> Learn more about Communities for Neighborhood High School Reform
Ed Fund staff are in West Philadelphia and Kensington working with youth-led organizations and community members to provide advocacy and leadership skills to support the development of high performing small neighborhood high schools.
> Learn more about our Small Schools Project