Area near Drexel in West Philly wins big school grant

Public schools in West Philadelphia will benefit from a multi-year federal grant. 

The community surrounding Drexel University has received a 2016 Promise Neighborhoods Program Implementation Grant.  Philadelphia School District Superintendent William Hite said the grant is important for “cradle to grave education.”

“By making these investments in our children today and by leveraging our community partnerships to help us continue these efforts, we will build stronger schools and a vibrant healthy community here in West Philadelphia,” he said Wednesday.

Drexel President John Fry said the university will actively work to improve education in the area.

“An overarching goal for Drexel is to make sure children growing up in this neighborhood have the skills they need to be successful for the jobs that are coming to University City and will be there in the future.”

Philadelphia was one of only six winners in the nationwide grant competition, more than 70 were vying for the money.