Greater Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the birthplace of our nation’s democracy and boasts a history of momentous events and admirable leaders. Yet despite centuries of innovation and progress in the city, there is still much work to be done. Today in Philadelphia, only 61% of kids from low-income backgrounds graduate from high school within four years, and only 10% will go on to graduate from college. It’s clear that not all of Philadelphia’s students are getting the education and opportunities they deserve.

Since 2003, Teach For America - Greater Philadelphia has been working in partnership with schools and community members across the region to change this reality. Each day, more than 250 corps members strive to be transformational teachers and leaders for our city’s students. They’re also working with colleagues, parents, principals, and entire neighborhoods to improve outcomes for our kids. Our alumni are also stepping up to implement systemic and innovative change. Marc Mannella (Baltimore ‘98) is the CEO of the expanding KIPP Philadelphia Charter Schools, while Reggie Fisher (Houston ’91) and Anna Shurak (Greater Philadelphia ’04) serve as leaders in the School District of Philadelphia. Alyson Goodner’s (Bay Area ’02) work at School Collective is linking schools across the city, and Alejandro Gac-Artigas (Greater Philadelphia ’09), founder of the Springboard Collaborative, leads efforts to increase literacy enrichment opportunities.

We have so many reasons to believe that Philadelphia can live up to its place in history by helping our citizens fulfill the promise of the American dream, and we won’t stop working until that becomes our reality.