The Alumni Initiative

How well do you know our auntie, Pearl Hall-Ragin? 🔔 Favorite After-School Activity? Swimming 🧬 Most memorable thing from science class? Biology 📚 Most memorable thing from English class? What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it will achieve. 👩🏾🏫 Favorite teacher? Ms. Geraldine Smith, BOK Tech 🎓 Favorite Grade 12th

Join us on Wednesday, September 25th, at 7:00 PM for a special Virtual Volunteer Party hosted by The Alumni Initiative! This event is dedicated to expressing our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible volunteers who have played a pivotal role in making our first year a resounding success. Over the past year, your dedication, time, and effort have empowered us to provide scholarships, support low-income families, and create opportunities that have transformed lives. Whether you assisted with events, contributed behind the scenes, or supported us in any capacity, this celebration is for you! Mark your calendars and join us here: https://lnkd.in/d-YkASKy

As students head back to school, there are many claims of teacher shortages and funding shortfalls. In reality, public school spending is at a record high, and Pennsylvania ranks among the highest-spending states nationwide. The enacted state budget increased funding for public schools by almost $690 million, on top of 2022’s record-high $1.58 billion funding increase. Meanwhile, enrollment in public schools has dropped, but the number of teachers and other school employees has increased. While certain local districts face teacher shortages, this has been exacerbated by shrinking districts hiring and retaining staff. This disparity could be resolved if funding followed the child. Pennsylvania public schools lost more than 139,000 students, or 7.7% from 1999–2000 to 2022–23. District schools lost more than 289,000 students, or 16.1 percent; while charter schools grew by 150,000. More than 63,000 students enrolled in Career and Technical Schools or Intermediate Unit Programs.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has announced that he, via the Jalen Hurts Foundation, will donate $5,000 for every touchdown he scores in the 2024-25 season as a part of his Keep It Cool Initiative. Hurts officially launched the Jalen Hurts Foundation in July of this year in an effort to support Philadelphia schools and strengthen the surrounding communities.

Join us on Wednesday, September 25th, 2024, at 7:00 PM for a special Virtual Volunteer Party hosted by The Alumni Initiative! This event is dedicated to expressing our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible volunteers who have played a pivotal role in making our first year a resounding success. Over the past year, your dedication, time, and effort have empowered us to provide scholarships, support low-income families, and create opportunities that have transformed lives. Whether you assisted with events, contributed behind the scenes, or supported us in any capacity, this celebration is for you! We’ll reflect on our shared accomplishments, share inspiring stories, and enjoy some fun activities. There will be special shout-outs, a look back at memorable moments, and a few surprises to show just how much we appreciate you. Mark your calendars, grab your favorite snacks, and get ready to celebrate together. We can’t wait to see you there! https://lnkd.in/d-YkASKy

Happy #BackToSchool. This next month is the start of something brand new! Who's ready to learn?

We see #teachers already making their way back to the #classroom! The parking lots are full! Let the learning begin! 🖍️✏️🖊️

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Proud to be a Philadelphia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, providing scholarships and quality educational opportunities for K-12 students across the city! #nationalnonprofitday

How well do you know our 🔥 fundraising manager, Ms. TRACY PACE? 🔔 Favorite Recess Activity? Double Dutch or other sports 👩🏾💼 Uniforms: Yes or No? Uniforms 🥒Favorite snack? Pickles and nacho cheese seeds