The School District of Philadelphia Receives $13.5 Million in Federal Grant Funding to Support Expectant and Parenting Learners
August 4, 2023 | 2:54 PM
- The School District of Philadelphia is one of 26 entities awarded funds
The Shapiro administration has announced that $13.5 million in federal grant funding has been awarded to 26 school entities to support expectant and parenting learners. This funding is part of Pennsylvania’s Education Leading to Employment and Career Training Program, a federally funded program that aims to provide educational services and community resources to individuals under 22 who are expecting or parenting a child.
- The School District of Philadelphia was awarded more than $3.62 million.
The inclusion of The Philadelphia School District in this program is seen as a positive step towards providing educational assistance to expectant and parenting youth. Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas expressed satisfaction with the program, stating that it helps schools keep this segment of the student population in school without disruptions. This is crucial in their efforts to obtain a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate and secure post-graduation employment, education, or training.
State Rep. Donna Bullock, chair of the PA House Children and Youth Committee, believes that this program will clear the path for a promising future for many students. She emphasizes the importance of removing barriers to education and ensuring that all students have the necessary tools to succeed academically, regardless of their circumstances. No student or young adult should feel limited in their academic or professional career because they are expecting or have a child. The funding provided will allow the School District of Philadelphia to provide vital resources that keep student-parents in school while maintaining healthy roles in their children’s lives.
State Rep. Mary Isaacson, chair of the subcommittee on Higher Education and a member of the PA Basic Education Funding Commission, highlights the need to provide support and guidance to all students. She believes that access to proper, age-appropriate sex education is critical, and when combined with a lack of resources, many young women end up unintentionally becoming mothers. Isaacson sees this funding as an opportunity to expand educational opportunities and workforce training for young women across the commonwealth, ultimately leading to successful and fulfilling lives.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 4: Quality Education
- Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
- Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex.
- Indicator 4.1.2: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months, by sex.
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SDG 5: Gender Equality
- Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.
- Indicator 5.6.1: Proportion of women aged 15-49 years who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use and reproductive health care.
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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age and persons with disabilities.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes. | Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex. Indicator 4.1.2: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months, by sex. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences. | Indicator 5.6.1: Proportion of women aged 15-49 years who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use and reproductive health care. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age and persons with disabilities. |
Analysis
The issues highlighted in the article are related to education, support for expectant and parenting learners, and the importance of removing barriers to education for students who are expecting or parenting a child. Based on this, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
SDG 4: Quality Education
The article addresses the need to provide educational assistance to expectant and parenting youth, which aligns with SDG 4’s focus on quality education for all. Specifically, Target 4.1 aims to ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes. The article emphasizes the importance of obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent for student-parents, which is in line with Indicator 4.1.1 that measures the proportion of children and young people achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in reading and mathematics. Additionally, Indicator 4.1.2 measures the participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training, which is relevant to the article’s emphasis on educational assistance for expectant and parenting learners.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
The article highlights the need to provide support and resources to student-parents, particularly young women who unintentionally become mothers due to a lack of resources and age-appropriate sex education. This aligns with SDG 5’s focus on gender equality and empowerment of women. Target 5.6 specifically aims to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights. The article emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use, and reproductive health care, which is measured by Indicator 5.6.1.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article mentions the goal of securing post-graduation employment, education, or training for student-parents. This aligns with SDG 8’s focus on decent work and economic growth. Target 8.5 aims to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all, including young people. The article emphasizes the importance of providing resources that keep student-parents in school while maintaining healthy roles in their children’s lives, which is relevant to Indicator 8.5.1 that measures average hourly earnings of female and male employees.
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Source: pahouse.com
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