About

The Education First Compact

The Education First Compact is a diverse group of organizations committed to improving public education in Philadelphia. Convened by the Philadelphia Education Fund, the Compact meets monthly to learn about and exchange perspectives on reform initiatives in the Philadelphia schools, and to support policies and strategies that hold the best promise for improving the culture and outcomes of local schools. The Compact also works to help stakeholders use their social, intellectual and political capital to leverage school improvement.

 
There are over fifty participating organizations representing universities, advocacy groups, parent and student groups, community organizations, professional organizations, businesses, and foundations. 

 
For more information contact:

 
Brian Armstead, Director of Civic Engagement

Philadelphia Education Fund

barmstead@philaedfund.org

(215) 665-1400 ext. 3332

Philadelphia Cross City Campaign for School Reform

 
Philadelphia Cross City Campaign for School Reform is a standing coalition of local organizing and advocacy groups seeking to improve Philadelphia public schools and increase equity in education. It does so by supporting the efforts of students and parents to hold the public education system accountable for meeting their needs.

 
At Cross City's core are four organizing groups:

Good Schools Pennsylvania

Philadelphia ACORN

Philadelphia Student Union

Youth United for Change

 
Cross City groups work in the communities that have the fewest economic assets and, too often, the poorest performing schools. Their focus - and the coalition's focus - is on improving the neighborhood schools in those communities.

Coalition priorities include improvement of neighborhood schools; conversion of large, failing high schools into small schools; obtaining adequate state funding; improving hiring and distribution of teachers so that all students have qualified, effective teachers; and holding the District and all of its contractors accountable.

 
For more information, contact:

 
Lauren Jacobs, Coordinator

Philadelphia Cross City Campaign for School Reform

ljacobs@haverford.edu 

(610) 896-2853.

 
Dolores Shaw, Organizer

Eastern Pennsylvania Organizing Project (EPOP)

ddshaw0202@aol.com

(215) 634-8922

 
Neil Herrmann, Organizer

Philadelphia ACORN

Herrmann@paacornphho.org

(201) 280-1060

 
Nijmie Dzurinko, Director

Philadelphia Student Union

nijmie@phillystudentunion.org

(215) 667-0066