Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has pledged $200,000 to the School District of Philadelphia to aid in keeping students, faculty, and staff comfortable during hot weather. His donation will cover the cost of over 300 air conditioning units for 10 schools in the district, aiming to create conducive learning environments and prevent disruptions caused by increasingly warmer summers.
The selected schools include Clara Barton, Gloria Casarez, Castor Gardens, D. Newlin Fell, Thomas Finletter, Fitler Academics Plus, Benjamin Franklin/Science Leadership Academy, Edward Gideon, Abram Jenks, and T. Roosevelt.
Hurts expressed his belief in providing every child with a conducive learning space and his gratitude towards Philadelphia, stating that he’s eager to give back to the community. He sees this donation as an investment in future leaders and a step towards helping students reach their potential.
The district, in alignment with its commitment to enhancing student achievement, prioritizes efficient and cost-effective operations. They aim to improve facilities to ensure that every school is a safe, welcoming, and healthy environment for students, staff, and the community.
Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. conveyed gratitude for Hurts’ generosity, emphasizing the impact on students’ well-being and academic success. The district has been actively working on installing updated air conditioning systems over the past five years due to the aging infrastructure of school buildings.
Oz Hill, the Chief Operating Officer of the School District of Philadelphia, highlighted the significance of Hurts’ donation in addressing the urgent need for climate-controlled educational facilities. He emphasized that this initiative not only improves current learning conditions but also lays the groundwork for future upgrades across the district.
