Newswise — PHILADELPHIA, PA, March 20, 2025 — School District of Philadelphia (SDP) schools High School of the Future and Horace Howard Furness have been selected as the inaugural participants in The Academy at Penn, an ambitious new initiative designed to create a national and scalable model to transform high school education and expand college and career opportunities for students from underserved communities.
The Academy at Penn was initially and is a five-year, $8 million grant fully funded by philanthropist Robert Schwartz, President of the Schwartz Creed Foundation. The project is specifically designed to address barriers faced by first-generation college students, as well as students and families from traditionally under-resourced neighborhoods, equipping them with academic support, career exposure, and social-emotional resources. The Academy will support students through their high school journey and help them transition successfully to higher education, post-secondary vocational development, and the workforce.
Foundations, Inc. plays a pivotal role in shaping the development of The Academy at Penn model, with Rich Mitchell, former Principal of William W. Bodine High School for International Affairs, joining the organization as Executive Director of The Academy at Penn to provide strategic leadership and drive the program’s success and long-term vision.
“The Academy at Penn demonstrates what is possible through the power of partnership,” said Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr, Ed.D. “We thank the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education and Foundations, Inc. for their commitment to investing in the futures of our first-generation college students, as well as our students from underserved communities. The School District of Philadelphia looks forward to a continued partnership and witnessing the growth in our students through this partnership.”
“This initiative embodies Penn GSE’s dedication to bringing evidence to bear as we strive to improve educational and life outcomes for Philadelphia’s students,” said Katharine O. Strunk, Dean and George and Diane Weiss Professor of Education. “The Academy at Penn is a model of what’s possible when universities, school districts, and community organizations come together with a shared vision to create new possibilities for children and recognize education as a transformational force for good.”
"This partnership is a game-changer for first-generation college students, I know because I was one of them. It’s about an unwavering commitment by three uniquely different organizations with one common goal – to ensure that every student has the skills, knowledge, and networks to achieve their dreams,” said Rhonda H. Lauer, President and CEO of Foundations, Inc. “It is a privilege to work with like-minded partners who are excited to break down barriers, open doors, and work to build a future where every student no matter their background, has the opportunity to thrive.”
“The launch of The Academy at Penn is the realization of a vision to create a model that can transform the future for high school students nationwide,” said Robert Schwartz, President of the Schwartz Creed Foundation. “I am deeply honored to be part of this journey and inspired by the extraordinary collaboration that made it possible. This is just the beginning."
Program Highlights
- Targeted Student Support: The Academy will serve 200 students over four years, with a focus on first-generation college and career-bound students. Each year, 50 ninth-grade students will be selected from the two participating high schools, beginning with programming in Summer 2025.
- College & Career-Connected Learning: Students will engage in project-based, experiential learning opportunities, including internships, a school day elective class, Saturday programming, and a paid four-week summer immersion program on Penn’s campus.
- Exposure & Experience: Students will participate in college visits, workforce development programs, cultural excursions, team-building activities, and peer mentoring experiences to build confidence and a sense of belonging.
- Personalized Guidance & Mentorship: A dedicated team of school leaders, university faculty, mentors, social workers, counseling assistants, and educators will provide individualized academic and social-emotional support to students and their families.
- Data-Driven Success Metrics: CPRE, which is based at Penn GSE, will assess the program’s impact by tracking student academic performance, engagement, and well-being compared to similar students outside the program.
About the Partners
is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of education for our nation’s children by strengthening the skills of educators.
(Penn GSE) is a leader in education research and innovation, committed to advancing educational equity and excellence.
conducts rigorous research to inform policy and improve educational practices at all levels and is located at Penn GSE.
serves more than 200,000 students, working to ensure every student graduates prepared for college, career, and life.
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