When an initiative aimed at fostering an environment of academic achievement and career exploration for Philadelphia-area youth came about, Comcast jumped on the opportunity to serve as a sponsor. That initiative, the Adopt-a-School program, matches Philadelphia high schools with some of the city’s leading companies, bringing employees to schools to meet with and mentor students. The program was created by the Urban League of Philadelphia and TriZen, LLC, in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia and nine other local businesses.
Comcast was matched with The School of the Future. During a kick-off event held in January, approximately 130 freshman students gathered in the school’s auditorium to learn the identity of their corporate partner. In true pep-rally fashion, the Firebirds’s drumline kicked off the event, followed by introductions from Principal Sherin and representatives from the Urban League of Philadelphia, GEAR UP and Trizen.
The students had some work to do before the big reveal. A competition mixed Comcast trivia with historical facts about the city, such as:
Q: This company’s CEO was born and attended college in Philadelphia. Can you name three colleges or universities in Philadelphia?
Q: This company’s main offices are located in Center City, Philadelphia. Can you name the current mayor of Philadelphia?
Q: This company is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses. One is one of the nation’s largest video, high-speed Internet and phone providers to residential customers and businesses. The other operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks. Can you name three Philadelphia newspapers?
After all the clues were given, the final bonus question asked the students to guess the name of the company, revealing Comcast as their sponsor! Our Adopt-A-School program co-leads Tanya Hamlett, Manager of Business Operations and Tasha Taylor-Igbanol, Manager of Diversity Media Communications, were excited to greet the students on stage alongside colleagues William Bronson, Director of Government & Regulatory Affairs and Tamiko McRae-Wilkerson, Manager of Customer Care.
“I’m proud to be a part of this program because it is providing the students of the School of the Future with access to diverse leaders who look like them and are invested in developing our future workforce. It’s going to be a great program and opportunity for the kids to start thinking about what’s next after high school,” said Tasha Taylor-Igbanol.
“Not only are these students being exposed to interesting career opportunities early in their high school career, they are also forging relationships with influential leaders in the community,” Tanya Hamlett added. “It’s important for them to see examples of what’s possible when they apply themselves, and also to be exposed to career opportunities that they might not otherwise be aware of if not for the Adopt-a-School program.”
Between February and June 2017, Comcast will host a series of workshops for the School of the Future’s freshman class focused on career exploration, social engagement, financial literacy, and leadership and personal development. We’re looking forward to an exciting year for all involved!
