The Academy at Penn

The Academy at Penn is a visionary college and career readiness initiative aimed at reimagining high school education for students and families in under-resourced communities. Developed by Foundations, Inc. in partnership with The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, the Consortium for Policy Research in Education, and the School District of Philadelphia, this innovative program serves as a national and scalable model—one that expands opportunity and empowers students to succeed in high school, college, careers, and beyond.

OBJECTIVE

The Academy at Penn offers students a five-year, cohort-based experience designed to inspire, equip, and empower. This model takes a holistic, personalized approach that weaves together academic preparation, career exploration, and personal growth. Students are immersed in meaningful learning experiences that nurture their confidence, build real-world skills, and support their social and emotional well-being—all within a supportive community environment that champions their path to success.

KEY PARTNERS

The Academy is a unique collaborative effort between Foundations, Inc., The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, the Consortium for Policy Research in Education, and the School District of Philadelphia. This partnership is built on a shared belief that collective effort drives success. By uniting diverse expertise, resources, and perspectives, The Academy places students in dynamic learning environments that inspire innovation, provide essential support, and equip students for success in their careers and personal lives.

FUNDING

The Academy is a fully funded five-year, $8 million initiative made possible by Robert Schwartz, Philanthropist and President of the Schwartz Creed Foundation. Mr. Schwartz has committed to providing all services at no cost to the district, its school sites, or enrolled students and families.

Program Overview

The Academy will serve 200 students over four years, with a focus on first-generation college- and career-bound youth. Each year, a cohort of 50 ninth-grade students will be selected from two Philadelphia public high schools, the School of the Future and Horace Furness High School, beginning in the 2024–25 school year through 2028–29.

College & Career Connected Learning

Students participate in project-based, experiential learning during and after school hours, as well as through internships, Saturday programming, and a four-week summer immersion program on the University of Pennsylvania campus.

Exposure and Experience

Students take part in an array of enriching cultural excursions, college tours, and workforce experiences, and gain a sense of belonging through meaningful team-building and peer mentoring activities.

Personalized Support

Students and families receive personally tailored support from a team that includes school leaders, university faculty, mentors, dedicated social workers and counseling assistants, as well as teachers, tutors, and afterschool educators who are focused on academic support and trauma-informed practices.

Evaluative Framework

CPRE provides benchmarks for measuring program success with a focus on academic outcomes and social-emotional well-being. Students selected for The Academy at Penn will be compared to similar students who were not the recipients of the supports to enable an understanding of the impact of participation on students’ outcomes.

Join Our Career Readiness Network

Are you a local business passionate about inspiring the next generation? Join us in connecting students with real-world experiences that spark curiosity and ignite career dreams. We’re inviting local workforce partners to:

Provide Hands-On Work Experience
Welcome Students for a Site Visit
Share Your Story as a Guest Speaker

Showcase your expertise and help students envision what’s possible. Together, we can open doors and build pathways to success.

Let’s Get Started

Outcomes and Impact

The Academy at Penn isn’t just changing the lives of the students and families who participate—it’s creating a lasting impact in the neighborhoods they call home. The power of opportunity–educational, professional, and personal–is a force multiplier across generations. Academy at Penn students will gain the skills, work experience, and confidence to succeed in high school, transition to college, pursue rewarding careers, and lead positive change in their own communities.

Vision for the Future

This collaborative effort serves as a pioneering blueprint for future partnerships. The Academy at Penn sets the stage for a national initiative aimed at reimagining high school education, improving access to college and career readiness, and empowering students to transform their communities. Designed as a scalable and replicable model, it is adaptable to both large urban centers and rural communities across the U.S.