Every morning across Philadelphia, thousands of students walk into classrooms where City Year AmeriCorps members, serving as Student Success Coaches, are already in motion, greeting them by name, offering quick check-ins, or preparing materials for small group work. Spread across 13 partner schools in Philadelphia and Norristown, these young adults help create steady, supportive environments where students can learn and grow. Behind them is a network of employers invested in the city's future, many of whom connect with City Year through the Chamber's business community.
City Year's impact stretches across nearly three decades in Philadelphia. Since 1997, more than 3,600 AmeriCorps members have supported over 220,000 students. The model continues to show strong results. In the last school year, more than 70 percent of students receiving City Year's targeted literacy and math interventions demonstrated academic growth. These outcomes underscore why many Chamber members partner with City Year as part of their commitment to strengthening the region's education and talent pipeline.
Chamber member Athena Global Advisors is one example of how these partnerships take shape. The firm has supported the City Year team at Edwin Forrest Elementary in Mayfair since 2022, and the relationship has evolved into hands-on, responsive support for the school community. Athena CEO and City Year Site Board Member Maggy Wilkinson described how Athena employees consistently look for ways to meet real needs in the building. "We've assembled hundreds of school supply kits for the Halloween Trunk or Treat and organized a winter coat and accessories drive to ensure every student is equipped to thrive this season," she said. Wilkinson added that City Year "doesn't just enhance the school experience. It transforms student trajectories by creating the conditions for young people to feel seen, capable and limitless."
City Year's long-term impact is also reflected in its alumni. About half of the individuals who have served with City Year Philadelphia remain in the region, working in schools, nonprofits and companies across the city. Many employers point to this alumni pipeline as an added benefit of partnership, helping develop future leaders with a strong commitment to Philadelphia.
For Chamber member Glenmede, supporting City Year aligns with a broader investment in the communities where its employees live and work. CEO Peter Zuleba describes the partnership as one of the most meaningful commitments the company has made to Philadelphia. "City Year's dedicated teams bring energy, consistency and measurable impact to the students and schools they serve," he said. "We see the results every day in stronger classrooms and more confident young people." He noted that strengthening schools contributes directly to a stronger regional economy, reinforcing Glenmede's long-standing commitment to the city's future.
Fellow Chamber member Aramark's partnership with City Year is similarly rooted in employee engagement and long-term community investment. "From hosting professional development opportunities for City Year Success Coaches at our global headquarters to our Global Day of Service with City Year's Care Force team, we share a deep commitment to strengthening our local community year-round," said Alethia Calbeck, vice president of internal communications and community relations. For Aramark, the relationship creates meaningful ways for employees to support students while contributing to the health of the broader community.
Together, these partnerships highlight how strong schools and strong businesses are deeply connected. For organizations like City Year, the Chamber plays an important role in helping build those connections, linking nonprofits with member companies that share a commitment to community impact and workforce development. Darryl Bundrige, executive director and senior vice president of City Year Philadelphia, described that collaboration as essential to the region's future. "The power of partnership among the Greater Philadelphia Chamber members, our corporate community and City Year Philadelphia is transformative," he said. "Together, we are uplifting school communities while simultaneously fueling the talent pipeline that strengthens our city. This collaboration demonstrates how investing in young people today builds our region's workforce and leadership of tomorrow."
For employers interested in getting involved, City Year offers opportunities ranging from sponsoring a school team to hosting volunteer projects or supporting professional development for AmeriCorps members. To learn more about partnering with City Year Philadelphia, visit cityyear.org/philadelphia.
