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RapperMeek Mill, comedianKevin Hartand Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin are stepping up for their community.
On Wednesday, the trio announced plans to donate $15 million to 110 Philly area schools for the 2022-2023 school year, according toABC6andCBS Philadelphia.
A spokesperson toldPhilly Voicethat the donation will go toward covering tuition costs at private and parochial schools to allow lower-income students to enroll.
The day prior to the donors' announcement, School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. William Hite spoke about the district’s funding concerns and student achievement gap amid a court battle between educators and lawmakers regarding Pennsylvania’s public education funding.
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According to Hite’s testimony, approximately 65% of students are currently considered “economically disadvantaged” and the city’s public schools are down $5,583 per student,Philly Voicereports.
“Philadelphia is the poorest big city in the country,” Hite said. “We have larger numbers of young people who don’t have access to early childhood services and who aren’t on grade level, those experiencing trauma, homelessness, are new to the country, have special needs, and those who need additional resources.”
This is not the first time these donors have given back to Philadelphia area schools in recent years. In late 2020, Mill, 34, and Rubin, 49, teamed up to develop a$2 million scholarship fundaimed at assisting students for the 2020-21 school year, according toComplex.
The funds helped families of students at private and parochial schools cover tuition and the cost of technology like laptops, tablets, and WiFi availability for virtual learning.
In 2013, Hart, 42,donated $250,000to the School District of Philadelphia and the local parks and recreation centers for new computers.
“My city made me who I am today and for that I am thankful,” Hart said on Instagram at the time, according toEssence. “I will make it my priority to help my city get out of this debt.”
source: people.com
