Join us for 2026 Celebration honoring Donna Cooper.



Testimony: School District of Philadelphia – CTE in Philly Schools

A rigorous study of Philadelphia CTE high school students, 70% of whom are economically disadvantaged and 85% BIPOC, found that these students were 30% more likely to graduate on-time than students attending comprehensive/neighborhood high schools that shared nearly...

Testimony to Philadelphia City Council: School Board Confirmations

Testimony Presented to the Philadelphia City Council School Board Confirmations By Symbol Lai, Philadelphia Mobilization and Policy Director, Children First PA April 25, 2024   Hello! My name is Symbol Lai. I’m here for Children First. I’m here to testify in support...

Testimony to Philadelphia City Council: FY2025 Budget Bills

Testimony Presented to the Philadelphia City Council Fiscal Year 2025 Tax Bills By Symbol Lai, Philadelphia Mobilization and Policy Director, Children First PA March 27, 2024 Good afternoon. My name is Symbol Lai. I’m here representing Children First. I live in West...

Vital Statistics for Children in Philadelphia

Vital Statistics for Children in Philadelphia Philadelphia children need the tools and resources to achieve and be healthy.  Only 34% of students are passing the English and Language Arts PSSA.  A shockingly low 19% of students are passing the Math PSSA. Less than...

Vital Statistics for Children in Philadelphia

Vital Statistics for Children in Philadelphia Our children need the tools and resources to achieve and be healthy. In the FY 2025 Philadelphia must: Increase city funding for the School District by $100M. Expand the number of children PHLpreK serves by 250. Give...