Roxborough High School Awarded $145K Grant

Plans at Roxborough High School to transform the school in an “All Academy” model received a welcome show of support Wednesday when the Philadelphia School Partnership awarded a $145,000 grant.

The grant will support the development of a rigorous academic plan aligned to career paths, PSP representative said in a statement. Serving mostly economically disadvanataged students, Roxborough’s proposed model focuses on ensuring all students have the opportunity to develop strong college and career competencies within small learning communities.

“We are offering career programs like cinematography, business, web design and biotechnology, which provide the connectedness students require to understand why they should master traditional subjects like English, geometry and chemistry,” said Dana Jenkins, Principal of Roxborough High School. “Roxborough High will greatly benefit from full implementation of the ‘All Academy’ model and the resulting positive impact on student achievement and success.”

The award is part of $375,000 in grants from PSP’s Great Schools Fund that have been given to four area schools.

The other investments include:

• $150,000 to support planning for the turnaround of Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School
• $56,625 to Wissahickon Charter School, a previous recipient of an expansion grant, to engage in leadership and teaching coaching
• $23,200 to Workshop School, a previous recipient of a start-up grant, to create an academic intervention program and technology improvements to support project-based learning

“These grants are an important form of support that the Philadelphia School Partnership is providing to our children,” added State Senator Vincent Hughes (D-7th). “Both Roxborough High School and Wissahickon Charter School are vital educational institutions in my district. This assistance from PSP is both valued and needed.”