Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Deep Roots Charter School
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: DRCS
Mailing Address: 3556 Frankford Ave
City: Philadelphia
State: Pennsylvania
Postal Code: 19134
Main Phone: 2673993727
Main Fax:
Organization Website: deeprootscs.org
Employer ID Number: 82-1969704
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 1/31/2024
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: DRCS After School Program
Project Description:

Deep Roots Charter School serves students living in the Kensington area of Philadelphia. Philadelphia is known for its high poverty rate, educational disparities, and racial inequities manifested through gaps in wealth and health. The Kensington area of the city is no different. The Kensington community is most recognizable by the presence of crime and the impact of the opioid epidemic, evident just by walking through the streets. Additionally, with 38% of students identifying as Black/African American and 40% as Hispanic, our school serves a significant proportion of historically marginalized communities. The School District of Philadelphia data also underscores the prevalence of socioeconomic challenges, as 24.8% of students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, as evidenced by their families’ reliance on SNAP and TANF support. Thus, the need for increased academic support to address glaring inequities experienced by our vulnerable student body is indisputable.

Deep Roots Charter School serves students living in the Kensington area of Philadelphia, known for its high poverty rate, educational disparities, and racial inequities manifested through gaps in wealth and health. With 38% of students identifying as Black/African American and 40% as Hispanic, our school serves a significant proportion of historically marginalized communities. The School District of Philadelphia data also underscores the prevalence of socioeconomic challenges, as 24.8% of students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, as evidenced by their families’ reliance on SNAP and TANF support. Thus, the need for increased academic support to address glaring inequities experienced by our vulnerable student body is indisputable.

The proposed after-school program aims to address achievement gaps in literacy and math among children who are performing below grade level, particularly those who have been adversely affected by the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Data consistently show that after-school and extracurricular programs provide a supportive and enriching environment that helps economically disadvantaged students overcome obstacles, develop essential skills, and achieve their full potential in both academic and personal spheres. We aim to engage 100 of our students in the afterschool enrichment program for 1.5 hours after the school day. In doing so, we will make up for the crucial educational time that was lost during the pandemic and address achievement gaps in literacy and math while offering additional academic, social, and developmental opportunities critical for our youth to succeed. Specifically, by providing additional support, we expect to see an increase in grade-level-associated indicators for reading level and math. Using these interventions, we will reshape students’ educational experiences and empower learners left behind by the conventional system.

Total Project Budget: 100000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): We have $20,000 committed to the implementation of the after school program.

Project Duration: August 2024-June 2025
Geographical Area Served: Philadelphia
Age Group To Be Served: K-6th grade

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Lucilla
Contact Last Name: Perry
Contact Title: CEO
Contact Phone: 267-399-3727
Contact Email: grants@deeprootscs.org