Honoring and recognizing Philadelphia Academies, Inc. for its dedicated service to the students of Philadelphia since 1969 and for its ongoing commitment to providing innovative solutions that empower young people to succeed academically and professionally.

Honoring and recognizing Philadelphia Academies, Inc. for its dedicated service to the students of Philadelphia since 1969 and for its ongoing commitment to providing innovative solutions that empower young people to succeed academically and professionally. WHEREAS, Philadelphia Academies, Inc. (PAI) was established in 1969 by Charles Bowser and Lee Everett, who launched the first career academy at Edison High School to address the dropout crisis in Philadelphia schools. The creation of Career Academies by PAI has since been embraced by over 8,000 schools nationwide, laying the foundation for a transformative educational model that emphasizes career readiness; and WHEREAS, Philadelphia Academies, Inc. has continually evolved to support Workforce Development, Teacher and School Leader Support, and Industry Organizing, driving successful student outcomes, including post-secondary education opportunities and placement into life-sustaining career pathways, and WHEREAS, PAI has made a significant impact by supporting 35 schools, 375 teachers and administrators, and over 4,800 students annually, empowering them to achieve academic and career success, and WHEREAS, PAI’s work is rooted in the values of equity, innovation, collaboration, and integrity, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, are given the opportunity to succeed. PAI has expanded its programming to include middle school career initiatives, high school workforce development, capacity-building for edu…