PHA and Cheyney University Form Educational Partnership

Philadelphia, PA – October 16, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — The Philadelphia Housing Authority and Cheyney University have inked a three-year agreement that features 12 special initiatives to enhance educational opportunities for public housing residents and agency employees.

“We are excited to join with Cheyney to increase the educational possibilities for our residents and employees,” said PHA President and CEO Kelvin Jeremiah. “I believe that education is the key to economic mobility that our residents desire. In a time of shrinking resources, it is imperative to partner and leverage resources in order to serve effectively. This partnership is truly a win-win that will help residents and employees build better futures.”

The agreement includes summer internships for Cheyney students at PHA, tutoring for residents, an urban farming program for residents, a continuing education program for agency employees and the adoption of a concurrent enrollment program for students of Audenried Charter High School. The high school is located in the agency’s Greater Greys Ferry Development.

“Cheyney University is very interested in helping students to bridge the gap between secondary school and college,” Cheyney University President Michelle Howard-Vital said. “By adopting a secondary school, Cheyney will be able to expose students to a range of majors and career options. Additionally, the University will be able to help students as they prepare for college preparatory courses and study for the SAT.”

PHA and Cheyney also plan to partner on grant applications in hopes to secure funding to improve the services to the communities they serve. The partnership agreement was signed on September 19 with plans to roll out program initiatives beginning in the fall of 2013.