Elevate 215 Celebrates Excellence in Philadelphia Education at Inaugural Innovate & Inspire Event
Elevate 215 Celebrates Excellence in Philadelphia Education at Inaugural Innovate & Inspire Event
Juniata Park Academy, African American Charter School Coalition, and Rep. Jordan Harris were Honored for Transformative Impact
[Philadelphia, PA] May 14th, 2025 – Today, Elevate 215 brought together education and civic leaders from across Philadelphia to celebrate the accomplishments and impact of its grantees. The Innovate and Inspire event showcased the exceptional student and educator outcomes through videos, remarks, and storytelling—culminating in the presentation of three special honors: the Inspiration Award to Juniata Park Academy, the Innovation Award to the African American Charter School Coalition, and the Civic Champion Award to Representative Jordan Harris.
“Everything we do at Elevate 215 is grounded in increasing the number of high-quality schools and supporting the educators who drive student success. This event is a celebration of the real progress being made in our schools—and the leaders behind it. By spotlighting their work, we hope to inspire even more collaboration and momentum across Philadelphia to ensure every student has access to an excellent education.”
To recognize those making meaningful strides in advancing school quality, Elevate 215 presented three awards that reflect the core values of the organization: innovation in practice, inspiration in leadership, and commitment to civic partnership. This year’s honorees exemplify what’s possible when schools, communities, and leaders work together to improve outcomes for Philadelphia students.
Inspiration Impact Award: Juniata Park Academy
Juniata Park Academy is being recognized for its visionary approach to school leadership. By investing in teacher leadership and building a culture of collaboration and trust, the school has empowered educators to lead improvement efforts that center student success. The results include a 13% increase in math proficiency, strengthened teacher retention, and a schoolwide spirit of shared accountability.
“As educators, we see the challenges vulnerable students face every day. However, our partnership with Elevate 215 allows us to turn those challenges into opportunities by strengthening instruction, supporting teacher development, and investing in schools ready to improve. With their support, we’re not just working harder—we’re working smarter to ensure students receive the quality education they deserve.”
Innovation Champion Award: African American Charter School Coalition
Five schools (Alliance for Progress, Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Middle School, Global Leadership Southwest, Global Leadership West, and Keystone Academy)—who are part of the The African American Charter School Coalition—redefined what’s possible through its Algebra Project, a bold initiative expanding early access to Algebra 1 for students of color. Their collaborative, data-driven approach has led to higher Keystone Exam performance and, more importantly, is helping students build confidence, identity, and a sense of belonging in advanced academic spaces.
"This recognition is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when schools come together with a shared commitment to equity, collaboration, and high expectations. The African American Charter School Coalition believes every student deserves access to rigorous opportunities like Algebra 1—and we’ve seen firsthand how that access can change the trajectory of a student’s academic journey. We’re honored to be part of a movement that centers students of color and challenges outdated assumptions about who belongs in advanced coursework.”
Civic Champion Award: State Representative Jordan Harris
A lifelong public servant and advocate for equity, Rep. Jordan Harris is being honored for his unwavering commitment to improving education and opportunity for Philadelphia youth. From championing school funding to expanding college access and reforming criminal justice, he has demonstrated what it means to lead with purpose, passion, and impact that lasts.
“I’ve always believed that education is the most powerful tool we have to change lives—and that belief has shaped every step of my work in public service. I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition from Elevate 215, and I share it with the educators, families, and advocates across Philadelphia who fight every day to ensure that every child, no matter their zip code, can reach their full potential and thrive.”
Read more about how Elevate 215’s grants have impacted education in Philadelphia here.