December 23, 2025 – PHENND https://phennd.org We are a network of over 20 colleges and universities that strengthens service learning in Philadelphia, connecting academics with community involvement. Tue, 23 Dec 2025 02:20:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 responsive, accountable local government in Philadelphia – Jan 29 https://phennd.org/update/responsive-accountable-local-government-in-philadelphia-jan-29/ Tue, 23 Dec 2025 02:20:36 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87183 William Penn Foundation issues RFP for responsive, accountable local government in Philadelphia

The William Penn Foundation (WPF) has issued an RFP for responsive, accountable local government in Philadelphia.

Through its Democracy and Civic Initiatives program, WPF aims to build trust and participation, particularly among underrepresented communities, in Pennsylvania’s democratic processes. Trust and confidence grow when people inside and outside of government work together to set policy and advance a shared agenda.

In this RFP, the foundation is focusing on helping to build a local government that is more responsive to the needs of Philadelphians. WPF plans to track the objective through a periodic survey to understand change over time. Moreover, the foundation pledges to support efforts that help Philadelphia’s local government be responsive to residents’ needs and accountable to constituent priorities.

For this RFP, “local government” entails the following: City of Philadelphia government departments, agencies, boards and commissions; all elected officials in the City of Philadelphia; and the School District of Philadelphia.

The foundation recognizes there are many different tactics or approaches that could be used to advance the objective. Some examples of proposals could include neighborhood civic groups sharing actionable information with neighbors, city government departments engaging with community to make government more responsive to resident needs, and collective advocacy for policy reforms.

WPF has $2.5 million available to advance this objective through this RFP. While there is no maximum allowable grant request amount, proposals below $350,000 will be most competitive.

At least $1 million of the total amount awarded under this RFP will be reserved for grants to organizations that have annual budgets under $1 million and/or are led by individuals who are members of groups with a history of discrimination or exclusion.

To be eligible, applicants must be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as 501(c)(3) public charities, such as community-based organizations, schools and educational institutions, and other types of public-serving groups, or operate under a public charity fiduciary. Government entities are also eligible to apply. Proposed projects must occur in Philadelphia. Voter registration activities are not eligible for funding through this RFP.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the William Penn Foundation website.

Deadline: January 29, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET

]]> advocacy for child-serving systems – Jan 29 https://phennd.org/update/advocacy-for-child-serving-systems-jan-29/ Tue, 23 Dec 2025 02:18:47 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87182 William Penn Foundation issues RFP for advocacy for child-serving systems

The William Penn Foundation (WPF) in Philadelphia has issued a request for proposals for advocacy for child-serving systems.

The foundation has a long history of investing in efforts to improve the lives of young children in Philadelphia. The foundation’s Children and Families program was created to expand access to programs and resources that support the healthy development and academic success of young children, ages 0 to 8, in the city.

Over the past decade, the foundation has invested in multi-organization statewide campaigns, as well as independent activities such as journalism, research, and litigation. In combination, the work of grantees has helped increase public funding by more than $4.5 billion. The foundation aims to support efforts that complement the existing campaigns and are likely over time to increase public funding in child-serving systems including early childhood education, early intervention, home visiting, out-of- school time programming, and K-12 public education.

This RFP seeks to support organizations that inform, mobilize, and unite key stakeholders, including the public and policy makers, about funding issues impacting child-serving systems in Pennsylvania. Applicants may seek to coordinate with any of the existing statewide campaigns or may seek funding for independent activities that will enhance ongoing efforts and accelerate progress on the objective.

To be eligible for funding, organizations will conduct at least one of the following activities: strategic, non-partisan, broad-based outreach, education, and mobilization efforts that engage the public and policy makers; research or communications efforts that widely disseminate non-partisan information that increases public understanding of key issues; or public interest litigation to advance adequate and equitable funding. All projects must be likely to positively impact public investments in young children in Pennsylvania.

WPF is requesting proposals for up to three years of funding and has $6 million available to advance this objective through this RFP. The maximum amount of funding that organizations may request for direct expenses is $500,000 over three years.

To be eligible, applicants must be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as 501(c)(3) public charities or operate under a public charity fiduciary. Public charities include community-based organizations, schools, and educational institutions, and other types of public-serving groups. Government entities are also eligible to apply.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the William Penn Foundation website.

Deadline: January 29, 2026

]]> arts and culture general operating support – Jan 29 https://phennd.org/update/arts-and-culture-general-operating-support-jan-29/ Tue, 23 Dec 2025 02:17:12 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87181 William Penn Foundation issues RFP for arts and culture general operating support

The William Penn Foundation (WPF) in Philadelphia has issued an RFP to arts and culture nonprofits for general operating support.

WPF has been a long-standing provider of multi-year general operating support to high-quality arts and culture organizations in the region and remains committed to providing them with flexible resources to sustain their missions. The objective is to build the capacity of artistically exceptional organizations that consider individuals’ different circumstances, histories, and needs, and are engaged as creative and community assets. The foundation recognizes there are many ways that organizations can contribute to advancing this objective.

The foundation’s Arts and Culture program focuses on work that celebrates creativity, artistic and cultural practices, and community impact. The program also aims to reflect the interconnectedness of creative works and the expressions of a community that may carry artistic or creative value.

The foundation seeks to support artistically exceptional arts and culture organizations that provide opportunities for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized. Constituents of these organizations have meaningful opportunities to fully participate in, contribute to, and see themselves reflected in arts and cultural experiences in ways that correlate with the organizations’ missions. Arts and culture organizations that focus on or authentically consider the experiences of historically marginalized communities in all aspects of their work and intentionally contribute to the development of vibrant, inclusive communities will be prioritized.

WPF funds the following disciplines: dance, design, folk and traditional arts, media arts, music, opera, multidisciplinary arts, theater, literary arts, and visual arts.

This funding opportunity is for organizations with fiscal years beginning in July through December 2026. Organizations will use their position and resources to be an engaged and responsive partner in their communities and the region. Proposals should reflect thoughtful strategies to strengthen ongoing relationships, organizational practices, and programming that connect to the priorities and interests of the communities they serve. After reviewing proposals, WPF will conduct site visits and gather additional information from a limited number of organizations.

Proposals for three years of unrestricted operating support are requested. WPF has a total of $8 million available to advance this objective. The maximum total grant amount requested cannot exceed $675,000. Maximum possible grant amounts are calculated as a proportion of the organization’s operating expenses from its most recently completed audit or financial statements.

To be eligible, applicants must be an arts and culture organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) public charity. WPF defines an arts and culture organization as an entity with a mission dedicated to the creation, performance, and/or presentation of arts and culture programs and experiences intended to engage, inspire, or connect audiences and communities. Organizations must have received a grant from WPF’s Arts and Culture program (previously known as Creative Communities) grant within the last 10 years.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the William Penn Foundation website.

Deadline: January 29, 2026

]]> Opportunities to Support SNAP Recipients in Maintaining Benefits https://phennd.org/update/opportunities-to-support-snap-recipients-in-maintaining-benefits/ Tue, 23 Dec 2025 02:09:35 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87180
A message from Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) of the City of Philadelphia:

 

Opportunities to Support SNAP Recipients in Maintaining Benefits

 

Dear CEO Community,

 

SNAP work requirements are now in effect, and we are sharing important opportunities for our community partners to support SNAP recipients in maintaining their benefits. As a reminder, you can find resources and information about SNAP rule changes at the City’s SNAP Page. This website is in multiple languages that you can select at the top of the page. It also has information for immigrant communities with different residency statuses:

SNAP benefits have changed: here’s what you need to know.

There are many ways you can help SNAP participants keep their benefits: 

Share information and where to get help.

Understand SNAP changes and share information with people in your networks. Check the PA DHS website and the City’s SNAP page for updates. Participants with questions can also contact:

  • PA DHS Customer Service Center: (215) 560-7226
  • BenePhilly Clarifi Help Line: (800) 994-5537

Help with exemptions.

Many SNAP recipients likely qualify for “exemptions.” Share and use the PA DHS’s screener tool to help people understand if they qualify for any exemption from the work requirement. Have copies of the exemption survey/checklist (CM 558) (PDF) and Medical Exemption Form (PA 1921) (PDF) available. Assist people with completing these forms and providing them to their County Assistance Office.

Provide Volunteer Opportunities for SNAP Recipients.

SNAP recipients can participate in community service or volunteer work as one way to meet work requirements if they do not qualify for an exemption. Volunteer opportunities help people stay connected, build skills, and maintain their benefits. This is especially important for people who may not be able to participate in a job or training program for the hours required. Some recipients may also need an activity to supplement their hours to meet the work requirements.

 

Although the work requirement is typically 20 hours per week, the number of volunteer hours is calculated by the County Assistance Office and may be significantly less than the number of hours required for other types of work activities. Here are information and basic steps for the volunteer activity:

 

  • If you are a nonprofit organization that has volunteer opportunities, you can email panavigate@thecaap.org and post the opportunity on PA Navigate. A Community Engagement Manager will assist with adding opportunities to the platform and ensure your program is listed accurately so individuals can easily find your volunteer offerings. Information and FAQs are available to learn more.

 

  • SNAP recipients can go to PA Navigate, enter their zip code, and search for “volunteer” where they will see a list of local programs offering volunteer opportunities. They can then contact the organization where they want to volunteer to learn more and get connected.

 

  • SNAP recipients will need to discuss their activity and report participation to their County Assistance Office.

 

Connect recipients to food resources.

Many people may lose SNAP benefits as early as January 2026 – even if they are eligible – because of new processes and possible errors. Please share Philadelphia’s Food and meal finder with people seeking food resources. Participants should call the local site directly to confirm hours and services.

CEO continues to work with offices across the Parker Administration to help SNAP recipients navigate changes. We are grateful to all of our community partners who are finding ways to support access to vital resources for so many Philadelphians at this critical time. Thank you for your partnership.  
Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity
]]> NYLC Youth Leadership For Service-Learning Excellence Award: Jan 7 https://phennd.org/update/nylc-youth-leadership-for-service-learning-excellence-award-jan-7/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:26:34 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87179 The Youth Leadership for Service-Learning Excellence Award recognizes K-12 service-learning programs and projects that demonstrate outstanding youth leadership. The award focuses on projects that uniquely demonstrate youth leadership for service-learning excellence — incorporating key elements of high-quality service-learning and having a sustainable impact on the participants and the broader community.

Youth teams representing K-12 service-learning programs in which the service-learning is tied to the school curricula may apply. The winner will receive $1,000 to support their program and Free travel, lodging, and registration to the 2026 Points of Light Conference in Washington, D.C.

Learn more.

]]> NYLC Service-Learning Practitioner Leadership Award: Jan 7 https://phennd.org/update/nylc-service-learning-practitioner-leadership-award-jan-7/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:24:13 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87178 The Service-Learning Practitioner Leadership Award recognizes practitioners who have equipped young people to lead and serve, both through their direct service-learning instruction with youths and by nurturing other practitioners to expand their service-learning skills and knowledge. Each year, this award is presented to a teacher or community member who has created a living legacy through service-learning practice. Service-learning practitioners from K-12 programs in which the service-learning is tied to the school curricula may be nominated. The winner will receive $1,000 along with their award and free travel, lodging, and registration to the 2026 Points of Light Conference in Washington, D.C.

Learn more.

]]> New Brief: Why The Design of a Larger Child Tax Credit Matters for Inequality Among Children https://phennd.org/update/new-brief-why-the-design-of-a-larger-child-tax-credit-matters-for-inequality-among-children/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:18:00 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87177 The 2025 tax debate saw a number of proposals from Democratic and Republican policymakers to increase the value of the Child Tax Credit and reform a number of its central elements. Various Republican policymakers, who held control of both chambers of Congress during this debate, proposed a maximum credit of close to $5,000 per child, but with wide variations in credit design. Despite these proposals, the 2025 tax debate culminated with the passage of H.R.1, or the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), in July 2025, which only modestly changed the Child Tax Credit. OBBBA raised the maximum credit from $2,000 to $2,200 per child and permanently indexed it to inflation. However, it left untouched the elements that tie a family’s credit amount to their income, with children in low-income families continuing to benefit less from this policy than those in middle- and higher-income families. Calls for a more meaningful expansion of the Child Tax Credit are likely to resurface and policy design decisions will determine who benefits and to what degree.

A new brief from the Center on Poverty and Social Policy draws on proposals that emerged in the recent tax debate to examine how different credit designs could either narrow or exacerbate inequities in the value of the Child Tax Credit between children in families with low incomes and children in families with more.

Read more.

]]> Kids’ Share: Analyzing Federal Expenditures on Children https://phennd.org/update/kids-share-analyzing-federal-expenditures-on-children/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:14:28 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87176 A new Urban Institute series looks comprehensively at trends in federal and state spending and tax expenditures on children—the kids’ share of public spending. Children can’t vote and they can’t lobby for public resources, but their well-being and development affect the future economic and social health of the country. Children also can’t work their way out of poverty, so the government has a special calling to protect them. Public investments are used to educate children; promote their health, safety, and well-being; ensure their basic needs are met; and help protect their families from financial hardship. These investments come in the form of direct spending on programs that serve kids and through tax benefits that offer their families financial assistance. Determining how government spends money, and who benefits, reveals our priorities. This series seeks to inform a national conversation about how best to invest the country’s resources by examining federal and state expenditures on children in the past and projected into the future.

The series includes special reports and briefs, the annual Kids’ Share chartbooks, web features and fact sheets, blog posts, events, and data appendixes.

Read more.

]]> Top Poverty and Opportunity Stories of 2025 https://phennd.org/update/top-poverty-and-opportunity-stories-of-2025/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:10:49 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87175 For those who analyze, research or make anti-poverty policy—or more importantly, those who are living with the real-life implications of a lack of material resources—2025 has been yet another tumultuous year. As we approach 2026, Spotlight once again highlights the most important and impactful stories of the year in the poverty and opportunity space. Our top stories of the year: the safety net impact of the “Big Beautiful Bill”; the latest U.S. poverty statistics; the government shutdown; the looming problem of housing; and the growing debate over direct cash payments.

Read more.

]]> PCPR January Network Meeting: AI Ready: What Students Need to Know Now – Jan 15 https://phennd.org/update/pcpr-january-network-meeting-ai-ready-what-students-need-to-know-now-jan-15/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:04:56 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87174 AI is already reshaping how students learn and complete assignments. Join us for a powerful conversation with experts from K–12, higher ed, and industry on how to guide students toward ethical, effective use of AI—starting in high school.

We’ll explore:

  • How colleges are addressing AI in coursework and academic integrity
  • What students need to know now to avoid misuse
  • How AI can support—not replace—learning and creativity

Speakers:

  • Dr. Fran Newberg, Deputy Chief, Office of Educational Technology, School District of Philadelphia
  • Dr. Pamela McCauley, Dean, School of Engineering, Widener University
  • Nasser Jones, Chief Digital Officer, Matrix Marketing Plus AI

Let’s equip our students for the future, together.

Register.

]]> Save the Date: 2026 Cities of Inclusion Disability Summit – Oct 8 https://phennd.org/update/save-the-date-2026-cities-of-inclusion-disability-summit-oct-8/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:50:08 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87173 As we look ahead to 2026, make sure to mark your calendars for the 2026 Cities of Inclusion Disability Summit taking place on October 8, 2026 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, part of Philadelphia’s Celebration of America’s 250th.

How do I learn more?

How do I learn about Sponsorship Opportunities? Express interest here and we will reach out in January 2026 with sponsorship information and opportunities.

How do I learn about opportunities to be a vendor at the Resource Expo? Let us know here and we will follow up in February 2026. Expo registration will open in late February.

When will registration open for the 2026 Summit? Registration will open in May of 2026. Take the actions under How do I learn more? to ensure you stay up to date on all registration updates and information.

About the 2026 Cities of Inclusion Disability Summit

In 2026, Philadelphia will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. This year of celebration also presents an opportunity to envision the future as we look ahead to the next 250 years. For us that means envisioning a city and region that works for all of us, where people with disabilities thrive, and where the disability community is celebrated in all spaces from large events down to the smallest neighborhood.

Cities of Inclusion, an initiative of Special Olympics Pennsylvania, is organizing the 2026 Disability Summit: Envisioning the Future of Disability Inclusion, a summit designed to celebrate all that has been accomplished over the last 250 years while looking ahead to the future as we come together as a community to envision a Philadelphia region that works for all of us. This summit will offer the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with a diverse range of leaders across the disability community and beyond who will guide us through how we transform current challenges into actionable solutions for building a truly inclusive city and region.

The summit will take place on October 8, 2026, in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, convening over 1,000 attendees including disability advocates, civic leaders, business leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, and community members. Attendees will engage in sessions across eight dynamic tracks, explore a resource expo showcasing innovative approaches to disability inclusion, and partake in opportunities to expand their network, collaborate, and envision the future of our city.

]]> 2026 Collaborative Conference – Save the Dates + Share Your Thoughts! – Jan 16 https://phennd.org/update/2026-collaborative-conference-save-the-dates-share-your-thoughts-jan-16/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:36:47 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87172 We’re officially setting our sights on 2026 and are in the early stages of planning for the next Collaborative Conference. Please save the dates for Thursday, September 24, and Friday, September 25, 2026, when we’ll gather once again at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College, Pennsylvania.

While conference registration won’t open until the summer, rooms are already available for Wednesday, September 23, and Thursday, September 24, at a discounted rate of $149/night plus tax. Reservations can be made online or by calling 814-863-5050 and referencing booking code PANO26A.

As we begin shaping the 2026 conference experience, we’d love your input. Take five minutes to answer five questions about potential themes, session topics, value-add activities, and more.

Bonus: Two lucky survey respondents will win free registration to the conference!

Survey Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026, at 5 PM

Share your thoughts.

]]> SSIR’s 2025 Social Innovation Reading List https://phennd.org/update/ssirs-2025-social-innovation-reading-list/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:31:34 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87171 Do you want to dig deeper into innovative solutions to social issues like gun violence, climate change, economic inequality, or democratic erosion? In 2025, Stanford Social Innovation Review published excerpts and reviews of thought-provoking books on these topics and more.

Access a collection of some of Stanford Social Innovation Review‘s most popular book reviews and excerpts published in 2025.

]]> Penn Museum Annual Kwanzaa Celebration – Dec 28 https://phennd.org/update/penn-museum-annual-kwanzaa-celebration-dec-28/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:15:47 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87170 The Penn Museum is proud to host the our third Kwanzaa Celebration, in partnership with the Center for Africana Studies, on Sunday, December 28th.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Live performances by Karen Smith Drums, the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble, and award-winning artist Raphael Xavier
  • A community conversation with Dr. Kelly Harris, Senior Staff Director of the Center for Africana Studies
  • Activity Zone with activities for all ages
  • Special cafe menu
  • Handmade Zawadi gifts (while supplies last)

DETAILS:

  • Location: Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
  • Date: Sunday, December 28th, 2025
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Cost: FREE with registration

Informational flyer.

]]> Behind the Story: Mental Health Resilience in American Communities https://phennd.org/update/behind-the-story-mental-health-resilience-in-american-communities/ Sat, 20 Dec 2025 20:31:00 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87169 Dive deeper into reporting on mental health with Pulitzer Center Reporting Fellows and grantees. Communities across America are navigating their mental well-being in an unprecedented and rapidly changing political environment. Changes in environment, education, health care, and support structures, among others, place disproportionate stress on people—especially those with intersectional identities.

This video series features projects that document these strains and highlight community efforts to support one another’s well-being during challenging times. Hear from the journalists about their reporting as they reflect on their experiences working with vulnerable communities to bring light to these issues and intervention efforts.

Learn more.

]]> 2026 Freedom Schools Literacy Academy https://phennd.org/update/2026-freedom-schools-literacy-academy/ Sat, 20 Dec 2025 20:25:56 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87168 We are currently gathering early interest for the 2026 Freedom Schools Literacy Academy. Families of rising 1st–3rd grade students are encouraged to complete our Parent Interest Form to help us gauge interest and collect contact information to share monthly newsletters with at-home instructional tips, information about our program, and updates on events and application timelines.

Please note that the official application will open in January 2026, and submission of this form does not guarantee enrollment.

Complete the parent interest form.

]]> Online Event: The Declaration of Independence and the Push for Racial Equality – Feb 2 https://phennd.org/update/online-event-the-declaration-of-independence-and-the-push-for-racial-equality-feb-2/ Sat, 20 Dec 2025 20:21:52 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87167 In celebration of Black History Month, scholars Lucas Morel and Melvin Rogers join to discuss how African American leaders and citizens, such as Prince Hall, Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. have invoked the ideas and principles of the Declaration of Independence throughout American history to push for a more free and equal America.

Date and Time: Monday, February 2, 2026, 1:00-2:00 PM

Register.

]]> New Issue of Liberal Education (Vol. 11, No. 4) https://phennd.org/update/new-issue-of-liberal-education-vol-11-no-4/ Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:33:31 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87166 A new issue of Liberal Education (Volume 11, Number 4) is now available.

Featured Articles Include:

Genuine Conversations: Why critical listening is key to shaping democracy’s future.

How Did We Get Here?: History provides valuable lessons for surviving today’s higher education crisis

Civics Lesson: Educators prepare future journalists and do what they can to shore up democracy

And more…

Read the full issue here.

]]> SNAP Food Grant Program for Small Businesses – Dec 31 https://phennd.org/update/snap-food-grant-program-for-small-businesses-dec-31/ Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:19:24 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87165 The Merchants Fund’s SNAP Food Grant Program is live now through December 31!

Food businesses that accept SNAP with up to $2 million in revenue are eligible to apply, and grants up to $10,000 are available. We’re especially hoping to reach and fund businesses that experienced the highest impact from the disruption, including those who:

  • Make $200K or less in annual revenue
  • Rely on SNAP sales for a meaningful portion of their income
  • Saw a noticeable drop in SNAP transactions during the two-week outage in November
  • OR experienced a 15% or more decrease in overall sales when comparing Oct–Nov 2024 to Oct–Nov 2025

Program Info

Apply Here

Important notes for applicants:

  • Applicants will need to create an account and select the SNAP grant once they’re in.
  • They must meet the business eligibility requirements listed on the website.
  • The deadline to apply is December 31st.
  • The Merchants Fund will be closed from December 24th to December 31st.
  • If a business is unsure or missing something, they should still apply with what they have and we’ll follow up in early January.
]]> PA State Board of Higher Ed Strategic Plan Public Comment Period – Jan 20 https://phennd.org/update/pa-state-board-of-higher-ed-strategic-plan-public-comment-period-jan/ Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:09:48 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87164 Pennsylvania’s State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) is charged with adopting a strategic plan that will provide direction and coordination to support our remarkable colleges and universities to fully meet the needs of the Commonwealth. Throughout the spring of 2025, SBHE gathered input from over 1200 individuals via regional hearings, small group meetings and an on-line survey to inform the development of a draft strategic plan. A summary of public comments from this initial phase can be found on the SBHE website.

SBHE has now released the draft strategic plan, entitled Driving a Prosperous Pennsylvania: A Statewide Agenda for Higher Education. We seek additional public input to further strengthen the plan before it is finalized and adopted by the Board.

The State Board of Higher Education has created several options for members of the public to provide constructive, practical suggestions on how the plan can be improved.  Wherever possible, we seek input on strengthening specific elements of the plan.

Both organizations and individuals are invited to weigh in during the public comment period, which closes on January 20, 2026.

Learn more and submit your comments.

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