Nearly half a million dollars is coming to South Philly for improvements to local schools and education.
Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler announced that $460,000 in state grants were earmarked in the 2026-27 state budget including $250,000 for City Year, which operates at Southwark School; $100,000 for Philadelphia Education Fund, which operates a College Access Program at Furness High School; and $110,000 for Vare-Washington School for second-phase improvements to its schoolyard.
“From direct classroom to support to improving the play areas for students, these grants are going to really improve the lives of kids in my district, not to mention the staff, teachers, families and community members who will also benefit.” Fiedler said. “I was so thrilled by this news and to know that public dollars are being used the right way, to help our community.”
City Year at Southwark School on 9th Street is a partnership where young adult AmeriCorps members serve as full-time student success coaches to support students and teachers.
AmeriCorps members, young adults, ages 17 to 25, can develop critical workforce and interpersonal skills and access exclusive scholarships through a year of service with City Year, helping them to achieve their goals.
Philadelphia Education Fund operates its College Access Program inside Horace Furness High School on 3rd Street to help students prepare for and transition to college and careers. It focuses its efforts on the needs of low-income, students of color and first-generation college-goers.
Vare-Washington School Playground on 5th Street has been a target of renovation for years. The Vare-Washington Safe Splay Project was created to raise $242,000 “to transform our barren schoolyard into a sanctuary of joy and creativity,” according to its website. This state grant will help the school improve their blacktop and playground, according to Fiedler. ••
