Education & Youth
The MCA mission is to align its efforts to support and facilitate the following:
Bring increased attention to the importance of positive parent and community engagement in the education of our children.
Help recruit parents and other volunteers to support teaching and learning.
Advocate for improved educational opportunities for the children and families of Mantua.
COVID 19 –
Student Support
Beginning with the close of school in March 2020, the MCA Outreach Team worked diligently to insure that school children in Mantua had access to the school breakfasts and lunches. Whether it was an SUV, a pick-up truck or a moving van, we made meal deliveries to those families who were not in close proximity to school lunch facilities. After eight weeks, we were successful in moving the student meals to our neighborhood school, Morton McMichael.
Low-Cost Internet & Discounted Laptops
Going to school online? “Internet Essentials” from Comcast is offering internet for $9.95/month. Once you have Internet Essentials, you can qualify for a discounted laptop. Click the button below for more information.
MCA Education Advisory Committee
The MCA Education Advisory Committee grew out of voices heard through the “We Are Mantua” community engagement meetings. Residents expressed the importance of an increased focus on the improvement of education opportunities for the children of Mantua, specifically the Morton McMichael School.
Subsequent to the formation of MCA, the Morton McMichael School was identified as one of 29 schools recommended for closure for the 2013 school year. Through the collaborative efforts of MCHSA, Drexel University, the Mantua Civic Association and other community stakeholders, the McMichael School submitted a proposal outlining a three-year plan to improve student academic performance, increase parent and community involvement and student enrollment. The proposal was accepted by the SDP and the McMichael School has remained open as the only public school in the Mantua community.
The McMichael School has made steady progress in academics and school culture and has experienced an influx of critical resources and partnerships over the last five years. As a result of these important resources it has had exceptional progress in RELA in the Turnaround Network of Schools
Annual Activities
Fall Back-to-School Welcome: Men of Mantua
The Holmesburg Lodge is an active partner who have participated and supported this event.
School Volunteers: WePAC- McMichael Library
AFEL has provided many free outdoor book drops throughout the community with a focus on early literacy.
Fall Backpack and School Supply Giveaway: Pre-K to Grade 6
Winter Coat Drive
Special Holiday Events
Please note we continue to work in collaboration with the McMichael School Leadership through the MCA Education Committee to stay current on student and family engagement, student support and resource needs. Once we get the data on the number of families who select the proposed hybrid face-to-face model, we will be prepared to provide backpacks and coats. So far, we have been able to distribute books and other school supplies when available.
Melon Street Pocket Park – Youth Ambassadors Program
The Melon Street Youth Ambassador Program was created in response to a WPPN Grant opportunity. The WPPN funding opportunity provided resources to support ideas that address Promise Neighborhood goals related to safety, health, reading outside of school and college & career preparation.
We chose to focus our attention on youth civic engagement, safety and a greening project to ensure our children feel safe while traveling to and from school.
For more information about the process Jefferson University conducted with the community through their Park In A Truck Project, please click on the button below.
