The Administration recommends that the Board of Education (i) authorize the acceptance of a Grant by The School District of Philadelphia, through the Superintendent or his designee, and (ii) authorize the The School District of Philadelphia, through the Superintendent or his designee, to execute and perform a Memorandum of Understanding as follows:
Grant from and MOU with: The Philadelphia Youth Network
Purpose:
To cover operating costs for Start Up EDU entrepreneurship program, and provide stipends to student participants for successful completion of the Start Up EDU entrepreneurship program
Grant Start Date: 06/01/2020
Grant End Date: 9/30/2020
Grant for an amount up to: $115,924.76
MOU Start Date: 6/1/2020
MOU End Date: 9/30/2020
Location:
All High Schools
Description: The School District of Philadelphia has a commitment to ensure students are successful in college, work and life beyond high school. Students should be ready for the wide range of possibilities ahead of them, including going to college, working for others, starting their own ventures, and contributing to their communities. All of these options require a depth of knowledge in their chosen discipline, as well as creative problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, experience working on effective teams, and adaptability in an ever-changing environment. According to research conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, these skills are also the deciding factors when employers compare candidates with equivalent backgrounds. These skills are the cornerstones of entrepreneurship education, which explicitly prepares students to identify and address challenges and opportunities. In addition, Entrepreneurship is one of the four Career Education Work Standards to be implemented with all Pennsylvania students in grades K-12 as outlined in the Future Ready PA Index. The Index includes a range of assessment, on-track, and college and career readiness indicators, to report student learning, growth, and success in the classroom and beyond.
The Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) has awarded The Office of College and Career Readiness $115,924.76 to implement the StartUp EDU summer program for 75 students in grades 9-12. Students will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. By participating in StartUp EDU, students will gain an entrepreneurial mindset during this four-week program using the Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) curriculum. They will gain skills needed to start a business by learning the integral skills needed when becoming an entrepreneur. Data demonstrates that NFTE students succeed academically, and in their careers. Eighty-six percent (86%) of NFTE alumni are either employed or furthering their education. This program also has the flexibility to be delivered in digital format, consistent with The School District of Philadelphia's Continuity of Education Plan. This action item seeks approval to create an MOU with PYN, allowing the Office of Postsecondary Readiness to accept funds awarded that will provide operating costs and provide students with the stipends for this summer program.
Anchor Goal(s) Supported: Anchor Goal 1 - 100% of students will graduate read for college or career