Youth in Education Summit Empowers the Next Generation of Teachers
On October 30, 2025, the Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition co-hosted the first annual Philadelphia Youth in Education Summit with Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).
The Summit included nearly 250 high school students enrolled in teacher pathway programs from nine district and charter schools—Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School, El Centro Big Picture High School, Esperanza Academy Charter School, Imhotep Institute Charter High School, Mastery Charter School Lenfest, Olney High School, Parkway West High School, Science Leadership Academy (SLA) @ Beeber, and Vaux Big Picture High School.
The Summit was designed to spark inspiration and connection—and to spotlight programming showing our young people are actually interested in teaching when provided engaging and supportive learning opportunities.
Check out media coverage and recap video of the Summit:
An effective and representative workforce of over 12,000 teachers is paramount to ensuring every Philadelphia student has access to a quality school. While the city has made demonstrable progress on boosting teacher diversity, vacancies persist and the number of non-certified teachers has drastically increased.
Convened by Elevate 215, the Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition is tackling these issues head-on through long-term strategies along different phases of the teacher pipeline, including those that inspire students to see education not just as a career, but as a way to lead and give back to their communities, and providing pathways for success when they enter the classroom.
“The young people who joined us at the Philadelphia Youth in Education Summit represent the future of our schools and our city. These high school pathways are cultivating young leaders who believe in the power of education to transform lives and strengthen communities across Philadelphia.”
The event captured the attention of the community and local media—with stories on 6abc, FOX29, KYW Radio, and Chalkbeat Philadelphia—spotlighting how students are stepping up to fill the city’s growing need for teachers.
The day closed with reflections from Vanessa Garrett Harley, Deputy Mayor of Philadelphia, and the City’s Chief Education Officer, Dr. Deborah Carrera, who shared her own full-circle story—returning to the same school that inspired her to teach and eventually lead in Philadelphia’s education system.
As students left, one thing was clear: the future of Philadelphia’s schools is bright because of the young people in that room—ready to teach, lead, and shape what comes next.
For Olney High School senior Meli Jimenes-Jaques, the Summit confirmed her next step:
“Before I wasn’t as sure,” she said. “But after seeing all these people and hearing all their voices and thoughts, it cemented that this is really what I want to do.”
For SLA @ Beeber senior Kemora Rogers, the day strengthened her commitment to teaching.
“Seeing that connection—that people want to do this—makes me feel encouraged,” she shared.
At Elevate 215, we know collaboration is the key to transformation. The Summit was more than a one-day event—it was a proof point of how Philadelphia can reimagine education by convening partners, cultivating talent, and creating pathways that lift every student and educator in our city.
