Lenfest Foundation gives $400k to N. Philly schools
Steppingstone Scholars, a nonprofit that provides academic enrichment for minority and low-income students, has received a Lenfest Foundation grant that will provide $400,000 over two years to expand a science and arts program at two North Philadelphia public schools.
Steppingstone Scholars, a nonprofit that provides academic enrichment for minority and low-income students, has received a Lenfest Foundation grant that will provide $400,000 over two years to expand a science and arts program at two North Philadelphia public schools.
The grant, the largest in the nonprofit's 16-year history, will be used to expand a Middle Grades Academy program that began at Dunbar School last fall, and implement it at nearby Tanner Duckrey School.
The academy, which aims to make sure students are ready for college, combines academic enrichment instruction in school for students in third through eighth grades with extracurricular opportunities that are available to all students at the K-8 schools.
Sean Vereen, president of Steppingstone Scholars, said in a statement that with the grant, the Lenfest Foundation was "investing in kids and schools most deserving of high quality enrichment and programs."
The academy will serve a total of 600 children at both schools in September.
The Lenfest Foundation was established in 2000 by H.F. "Gerry" and Marguerite Lenfest. Gerry Lenfest is the owner and publisher of The Inquirer.