Dear Friends,
I am excited to share that ASAP’s Board of Directors has formally selected me as the organization’s Executive Director. During a time of much change in Philadelphia, I am honored that the Board has entrusted me with leading the organization, ensuring that ASAP can remain a constant source of community for our students and partners.
Nearly thirteen years ago, I came to Philadelphia hoping to make my new home a better place, first working with City Year Philadelphia and then several School District of Philadelphia schools through the Gear Up program. My passion for building connections with Philly students and educators is what led me to ASAP, where over the past decade I’ve had the pleasure of serving in various roles, including the last six months as Interim ED. Throughout my tenure I’ve deepened my roots here, becoming both a true Philadelphian (Go Birds!) and mother to a tenacious almost-three-year-old. And while my son is not yet old enough for ASAP’s programs, navigating childcare has only deepened my commitment to ASAP’s mission. I know that soon enough, I’ll need a safe space for my child to continue learning after school lets out, while I’m still finishing up my workday.
I believe ASAP’s greatest strength is our ability to build relationships and a strong community of like-minded kids and caring adults across Philadelphia. Our staff are experts at creating and sustaining the partnerships that make our work possible. Whether speaking with students’ families, reconnecting with club leaders, meeting new partners who share our passion for after school, or catching up with students on their post-graduation plans – it’s clear that relationships play a key role in unlocking the inherent potential of our city’s young people.
But despite all of the wonderful growth I’ve witnessed over the years, there is still so much work to be done for Philly kids. Navigating a post-pandemic world, our students continue to struggle with feeling connected to their school communities, and too many of our children are falling victim to the city’s ongoing gun violence epidemic. And with pandemic relief funds expiring soon, the School District of Philadelphia is facing yet another fiscal cliff, likely forcing drastic cuts to programming that our children so desperately need to reach their full potential.
Still, there’s a sense of optimism in the city. Philadelphia is under the leadership of our first Black female mayor, Cherelle Parker – another mother who understands the significant role of out-of-school time activities to keep kids safe and engaged in learning, all year long. Just last week during her remarks at Superintendent Watlington’s inaugural State of Public Education, Mayor Parker emphasized the critical importance of investing in the city’s youth; stating that her number one priority heading into budget season is funding education and ensuring the safety of all our children across the city (Photo Credit: School District of Philadelphia).
Looking ahead, ASAP is excited to meet this moment – to tap into this renewed sense of commitment. We stand ready to partner with the City and the School District to dramatically expand access to enriching, year-round out-of-school learning opportunities for our kids. What I love most about Philadelphia is this enduring sense of community – despite being a city of diverse neighborhoods, Philly ultimately sticks together.
And ASAP kids stick together, too – across different clubs and schools, year after year. As always, we are most grateful for your support; it’s what makes our vision a reality.
Stick with ASAP – our kids deserve nothing less.
Yours in partnership,
ASAP Executive Director
If you have questions regarding ASAP’s new leadership team, please contact Sara Morningstar at smorningstar@phillyasap.org or ASAP’s Director of Development & Communications, Tori Bakey-Urban at vbakey@phillyasap.org
Learn more about how ASAP meets the needs of Philadelphia students across the city.