Innovate & Inspire: Impact Statements

Elevate 215’s support has driven a more comprehensive and intentional teacher pipeline strategy in the District. By partnering with universities and launching sustainable apprenticeship programs, we're creating new pathways into the profession for paraprofessionals and career changers—and building the future of Philadelphia’s educator workforce.

MYA is rewriting its future. 98% of our 8th graders earned eligibility for every high school they chose—schools aligned to their dreams and strengths. Enrollment interest is soaring, with over 150 new applicants. And academically, MYA students posted the highest reading growth across Philadelphia, gaining more than a full grade level in just three months. We aren’t just beating the odds—we’re setting a new standard.

At McMichael, Elevate 215 is fueling real change. Attendance is up 10%, early readers are gaining ground with daily tutoring, and struggling readers are down by 12%. Parent engagement is surging too, building a stronger school community. Every day, more students are showing up, growing, and thriving.

For the first time in five years, Young Scholars students are exceeding national math growth expectations—outperforming the national average by 6%! With Elevate 215’s support, investments in new curriculum, daily interventions, high-impact tutoring, and project-based learning are driving a powerful shift. As we prepare to welcome our first 5th grade class this fall, the future is brighter than ever.

Algebra I is changing lives at Keystone Academy. Thanks to Elevate 215, students are passing state graduation requirements years early—and inspiring a new culture of academic ambition. Our first cohort had a 79% pass rate, and demand is growing fast, with dozens of students eager to join. Algebra I is no longer just a course—it’s a launchpad for future success.

At Pan American, Elevate 215 helped us unlock a simple truth: when you care deeply for both students and staff, success follows. Math growth is soaring, behavior challenges are down 45%, and teacher retention is up 17%. With rigorous academics and a focus on belonging, we are creating a thriving community where everyone grows.

Elevate 215 turned our dream into reality. Their belief—and investment—helped us launch a school against all odds, grow intentionally through a pandemic, and build a foundation strong enough to secure a five-year charter renewal. The future is bright for our students, families, and community.

Representation matters—and so does belonging. Through the Philadelphia Affinity Group Network, Teach Plus has supported over 200 educators of color, helping to increase teacher retention by five points above the district average. With 96% satisfaction and 90% retention, we’re showing that when educators are affirmed, they stay—and students benefit.

Our grant sparked a literacy transformation across all 14 Independence Mission Schools. With a new ELA curriculum, powerful teacher development, and a culture of collaboration, our students are achieving stronger literacy outcomes—and our teachers are leading the way.

The AlgeBros are changing the narrative at Boys’ Latin. Powered by our grant, this brotherhood of young Black scholars is breaking barriers in advanced math—proving that excellence belongs to them. Together, they're opening doors to Calculus, Physics, and Statistics—and inspiring a new generation of scholars.

At Juniata Park Academy, collaboration is the catalyst for change. With empowered teacher leaders and inclusive practices, we've boosted teacher effectiveness by 13% and raised math achievement by 13 points. Our English learners and students with IEPs are thriving—and so is our school community.

With our funding, we were able to provide intensive teacher training in the science of reading, which helped us nearly double the number of K–2 students reading on grade level. Our youngest scholars are gaining skills and confidence that will last a lifetime.

Thanks to Elevate 215, Research For Action is helping Philadelphia build a stronger, more diverse educator workforce. Through data analysis and research on teacher diversity, support for groundbreaking retention efforts, and collaboration through the Talent Coalition, we’re turning data into action for lasting change.

Elevate 215’s support helped Children First drive a historic 31% increase in state funding for career and technical education (CTE) in Philadelphia. This new investment is expanding dual enrollment, apprenticeships, and CTE pathways—giving more students a jumpstart on college and careers.

Thanks to Elevate 215, PCE has strengthened its leadership, expanded support for charter school leaders, and amplified advocacy for more than 64,000 students. Together, we’re driving momentum for funding equity, fair evaluations, and better opportunities for charter students.