Office of Youth Engagement

What do they do?

Our mission is to “Give a voice to Philadelphia’s youth in advising key leadership in the city about policies, programs and actions that affect youth. Through this work, the Commission will be influential in ensuring that decisions that impact young people have been carefully considered and that the youth perspective is incorporated in the process. The Commission will work to bridge the gap between adults and youth, fostering a greater sense of unity, communication and partnership throughout the city...The Commission represents Philadelphia’s youth in public hearing and gives testimony that reflects the youth perspective. We work with the City, non-profits, community organizations, and private entities to develop strategies to improve the lives of Philadelphia’s youth. The Commission also advises the Mayor, City Council, Philadelphia Schools, and other key decision makers inside and outside of city government.”

How do they do it?

Comment on legislation and policies that impact youth; create public service programs that improve the lives of youth; monitor and measure the effectiveness of youth programs and policies; partner with neighborhood youth organizations on shared issues; prepare youth for leadership roles

Contact

• Ricardo Calderon, Director. (215) 686-2159

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Director of School-Community Partnerships, Henry C. Lea Elementary School

What does he do?

Rich Coordinates school-community partnerships between Lea Elementary School, the University of Pennsylvania, and various community-based and nonprofit organizations. Facilitate communication and collaboration among all school stakeholders, including school administration, faculty and staff, family and community members, and partner organizations and programs. Develop systems, procedures, norms, and expectations for school-community partnerships. Serve as the Lea-Penn Liaison responsible for managing all partnerships affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania via the Lea-Penn Partnership and the Office of School and Community Engagement at the Penn Graduate School of Education. Serve on the School Leadership Team and the School Advisory Council. Support the Family and Community Engagement Coordinator in facilitating family and community engagement programming. Design and facilitate the Lea Partnerships Study, a longitudinal academic study aimed at developing a shared understanding of how to develop strong, reciprocal relationships and sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships among stakeholders within the context of a school-community-university partnership.

How does he do it?

Community partnerships and engagement; facilitation of communication and collaboration; development of systems, procedures, expectations; research and study.

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