Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Gesu School
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1700 W Thompson Street
City: Philadelphia
State: PA
Postal Code: 19121
Main Phone: 215-763-9077
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.gesuschool.org/
Employer ID Number: 23-2728931
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/3/2026
Requested Amount: 7000

Project Title: Gesu Extra Mile – After School Enrichment in North Philadelphia
Project Description:

The Gesu Extra Mile (GEM) Program is an after-school enrichment initiative at Gesu School designed to expand learning beyond the traditional classroom. GEM provides students with meaningful opportunities to explore new interests, build skills, and strengthen relationships through a wide range of activities that include arts and cultural experiences, athletics, and academic support.
Led by Gesu faculty and staff, GEM programming is intentionally customized to reflect students’ interests and developmental needs. Offerings change each trimester, allowing students to discover new passions while also engaging with peers from other grade levels. The program fosters creativity, teamwork, and confidence in a supportive environment that encourages students to take positive risks and grow.
During the first and second trimesters of this school year, GEM offerings included basketball, cheerleading, homework club, art club, knitting and crochet club, and the Boys to Men club, a mentorship program led by one of our 8th Grade teachers. These activities provide both structured academic support and dynamic extracurricular experiences that promote physical wellness, artistic expression, character development, and social-emotional growth.
For young people in North Philadelphia, programs like GEM are especially vital. Access to safe, structured, and engaging after-school opportunities can be limited, yet these hours are critical for reinforcing academic skills, building positive peer relationships, and providing consistent adult mentorship. GEM creates a space where students feel seen, supported, and inspired, helping to counter barriers that often impact under-resourced communities while opening doors to new possibilities.
GEM is open to students in grades 6-8 during the first and second trimesters and expands to include grades 5-8 in the third trimester, ensuring broad access to enrichment opportunities. By extending the school day in purposeful and engaging ways, the GEM Program supports the whole child, academically, socially, and emotionally, while reinforcing Gesu’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, confident learners.

Total Project Budget: 30,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): At this time, there are no committed funding sources specifically designated for the GEM Program. Historically, GEM has been supported through unrestricted operating funds. However, we are actively seeking foundation support to underwrite the program’s costs. Securing dedicated funding would allow us to sustain and grow GEM while redirecting limited unrestricted resources to other critical areas of need within the school.

Project Duration: Every school year
Geographical Area Served: Gesu’s students come from neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia, many of which are the poorest in the city. We prioritize low-income families for admission.
Age Group To Be Served: 5th-8th grade

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Rachel
Contact Last Name: Winner
Contact Title: Grants Manager
Contact Phone: 2157639077
Contact Email: rachel.winner@gesuschool.org