Stephen Williams is a WHYY News education reporter. He has been a local news reporter for more than two decades and has helped audiences understand complex stories about education, transportation, labor and small business, to name some beats. He has formerly worked at The Philadelphia Tribune, The New Observer, The Hartford Courant and The Lexington Herald-Leader.
More from the Contributor
According to Christy Brady, city controller, the discrepancies in the district’s Automated Clearing House system were found during an annual audit of the 2024 fiscal year.
6 days ago
Listen 1:02
Gwynedd Mercy University-led partnership seeks to address shortage of special education teachers
More than 20% of Pennsylvania students require special education services.
1 week ago
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Most Philadelphia Mastery high schools improved graduation rates in the last 5 years
Five of six city charter high schools operated by Mastery Schools showed improvement in their four-year graduation rates in the last five years.
2 weeks ago
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Head Start escapes elimination in 2026 proposed budget from Trump administration
In 2024, the U.S. Head Start budget was $12.2 billion. “We recognize that we have no certainty,” said the executive director of the Pennsylvania Head Start Association.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:08
Mural Arts’ after-school programming prepares students, heals communities
Founded in 1984, Mural Arts Philadelphia has created more than 4,000 murals. The nonprofit organization also helps kids hone their artistic and social skills after school.
3 weeks ago
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Program aims to fast-track Philly high school students into in-demand, entry-level health care jobs
The joint venture of Jefferson Health, the city school district and Esperanza College aims to address the shortage of health care workers.
4 weeks ago
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Community College of Philadelphia’s board names provost Alycia Marshall as interim president
The CCP announcement came after former president Donald General’s contract wasn’t renewed.
4 weeks ago
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Program places cameras on Philly buses to record motorists who illegally pass
Each year, there are about 43 million such violations nationwide, according to a 2024 survey by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services.
1 month ago
Listen 0:57
Penn program offers artificial intelligence training to Philadelphia school district teachers
The PASS program is funded by a foundation supporting the integration of arts and technology into education.
2 months ago
Listen 0:52
The lab, opening next week, will offer classes to local students in robotics, cyber security, video game design — and of course, golf course management.
2 months ago
Studies show links between arts programs and positive academic outcomes, skills
Anecdotal evidence has shown arts-related classes lead to better grades.
2 months ago
Listen 1:57
Harvard University extends free tuition offer to students with family incomes under $200,000
The Ivy League school joins other prestigious colleges, including UPenn, in raising income limits for free tuition and other supports.
2 months ago
Listen 1:37