Today we announced that the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation will invest $4.5 million in the future of Philadelphia’s schools and children, with nearly all of the funds dedicated to growing and creating high-performing schools through our Great Schools Fund. Read more about the announcement in today’s Inquirer.

Janet Mountain, Executive Director of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, said of Philadelphia’s civic leaders, “We believe this speaks to their unique ability to see a big vision beyond what exists today. We’re also excited to support the significant momentum of PSP, which has already begun to invest in creating some 10,500 seats and which has a focus on growing local, high-quality school operators.”

This grant is the largest commitment from a national foundation to the Great Schools Fund to date. Over the past two years, more than 40 individuals, foundations and businesses have committed $60 million to the $100 million Fund, and we have invested $21.3 million so far to help put thousands of students on the path to college and careers. Learn more about our investments here.

This is a critical time for Philadelphia’s schools. Amidst real challenges, parents, educators, and civic leaders are increasingly determined to expand access to high-quality schools of all types. Thanks to all of you for working with us to ensure every child in every neighborhood in Philadelphia can attend a great school.