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: (267)399-3727
Main Fax:
Organization Website: deeprootscs.org
Employer ID Number: 82-1969704
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 4/3/2024
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Deep Roots Charter School
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.

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. By providing additional support, we expect to see an increase in grade level associated indicators for reading level and math. Currently, we have committed $20,000 to pilot our program and are seeking additional funding support to operate the program in full capacity. With funding support, 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 crucial educational time that was lost during the pandemic

Total Project Budget: 100000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Hamilton Family Charitable Trusts – $20,000 (Potential)

Project Duration: 9/1/2024 – June 30, 2025
Geographical Area Served: Philadephia
Age Group To Be Served: 8-11

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Lucilla
Contact Last Name: Perry
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 215-900.7435
Contact Email: grants@deeprootscs.org