Horizons Greater Philadelphia Inc.

Overview

Horizons Greater Philadelphia Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, tuition-free educational opportunities to students in the Philadelphia area. The organization is part of the national Horizons network, which has been expanding since 1995. However, Horizons Greater Philadelphia itself was established in 2021 with the goal of expanding access to more students in the region[3].

Mission and Vision

Horizons Greater Philadelphia aims to advance educational equity by creating long-term partnerships with students, families, communities, and schools. Their vision is a future where every child can thrive intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. They strive to foster experiences outside of regular school that inspire a love of learning[5].

Programs

The organization offers a six-week summer enrichment program, along with year-round programming designed to support the whole child. These programs focus on academic skill-building, social-emotional support, health and wellness activities, and more. The curriculum includes STEAM and literacy education, mental health support, small class sizes, engaging field trips, and leadership training within a project-based curriculum[5].

Impact

Horizons programs have shown significant impact on student success. Nationwide, 97% of Horizons graduates complete high school, and 91% go on to post-secondary education, compared to 78.3% of low-income high school graduates[5].

Locations and Expansion

Horizons Greater Philadelphia operates programs at several locations in the Philadelphia area, including Horizons at The Episcopal Academy, Horizons at Greene Street Friends School, Horizons at Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School, and Horizons at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy[1]. The organization has set ambitious goals, aiming to expand its capacity to serve over 1,000 students with at least eight programs by 2025[2].

History and Structure

The Horizons model was first established in 1964, with a national expansion phase beginning in 1995. Horizons Greater Philadelphia was founded in 2021 as a local effort to increase access to these educational opportunities in the Philadelphia area[3][4]. The organization is driven by a core belief that every child should have access to high-quality educational opportunities, working to close the opportunity gap in education[2].