Allentown, PA (February 15, 2017) Building 21 Allentown High School is the recipient of a $25,000 grant from the PPL Foundation which will support the innovative high school’s mission to build pathways to post-secondary success for students.
“PPL has been a lead supporter of Building 21 Allentown, and we are particularly grateful for this most recent grant,” said Jose Rosado, Jr., School Leader at Building 21 Allentown. “In addition to financial support, we are thankful for the active participation of senior PPL executives on our Advisory Council as well as their direct engagement with our students at career days and field trips.”
The grant funds will support the ongoing operations of the school, including the expansion of classroom space, the addition of a chemistry laboratory, the building out of the school’s career-connected curriculum, and professional development opportunities for Building 21 Allentown teachers and administrators. Prior support from PPL launched the school’s one-to-one laptop program in which every student is provided a laptop computer. Building 21 Allentown, to date, has received support from over 50 generous businesses and individuals in Allentown.
Building 21, a non-profit organization that works in partnership with school districts to develop new models for secondary education, focuses on their mission to empower learners (grades 9-12) through unique instructional opportunities and choices, based on the student’s personal interest, enabling them to master competencies on their journey to graduation and life-long success. Building 21’s competency-based learning model and real world learning experiences guide graduates on a path to be college or career ready. Their vision is to better prepare students for post-secondary success, which in turn creates a financial and social benefit to the community and region.
“PPL is proud to support Building 21 as it takes an innovative approach to engaging students, preparing them for the future and empowering them to reach their full potential,” said Ryan Hill, president of the PPL Foundation.
PPL has been an integral supporter of the innovative high school since its launch, contributing $275,000 to assist with the launch and ongoing operation of the school.
About Allentown School District
ASD serves more than 17,000 students in a network of 22 early childhood, elementary, middle and high schools throughout the City of Allentown, PA. The District is the third largest urban school district out of 500 districts in the Commonwealth. The District’s Mission focuses on providing a safe, rigorous, and engaging educational experience that prepares all students to excel in learning and life to guide ASD students on their individual journey to realize their aspirations whether they be college, career or technical focus. ASD goals are aligned and compatible with the Pathways to Success Framework while providing a balanced education to all students. Allentown School District employs approximately 2,200 teachers, staff and administrators. The District, founded in 1866, serves students from 51 countries speaking 26 languages with nearly 90 percent of households qualifying as low income. ASD is committed to ensuring that all students have equal access to education programs and resources.
Information provided by:
Kimberly Golden Benner
Director of Communications
Allentown School District
