PHILADELPHIA, PA — To help improve learning environments in Philadelphia schools, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has committed $200,000 to the School District of Philadelphia. This generous donation will fund the purchase and installation of more than 300 air conditioning units in 10 schools across the District, aiming to provide comfort to classrooms and avoid disruptions to school days during the warmer months as summers become increasingly hotter.
The 10 schools are 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.
“I believe every child deserves a comfortable space to learn and grow,” said Jalen Hurts, who expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “Philadelphia has given me so much, and I’m excited to give back to the community in a way that supports our future leaders. Ensuring our schools are equipped with essential resources like air conditioning is one step toward helping our students achieve their very best.”
In an effort to drive progress toward accelerated student achievement, the District has prioritized delivering efficient, high-quality, cost-effective operations. The District is working to improve facilities with the goal of making every school a safe, welcoming, and healthy place where students, staff, and community want to be and learn each day.
“We are incredibly grateful to Jalen Hurts for his generosity and commitment to our schools, our students, and our employees,” said Tony B. Watlington, Sr. Ed.D., Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. “This contribution not only enhances the physical infrastructure of our schools but also demonstrates a meaningful investment in our student’s well-being and academic success. As temperatures continue to rise in Philadelphia, we know that air conditioning can significantly influence the learning experience.”
The District has been working urgently over the past five years to install updated air conditioning systems. Due to the average age of school buildings, the scope of work to install air conditioning is extensive, including the need for electrical upgrades that take time, coordination with a number of external partners, and needs to take place when students are not occupying buildings. Since 2022, more than 40 schools have received either central A/C systems or full window unit installations.
“With Jalen’s donation, we are directly impacting the urgent need for climate-controlled and environmentally suitable educational facilities that enable improved academic achievement in schools that have struggled through the warmer months,” said Oz Hill, the Chief Operating Officer of the School District of Philadelphia. “This initiative not only improves current student attendance and learning, but it also paves the way for future upgrades throughout the District.”
