Dear Friends,
Every year, millions of people from across the globe descend upon our city to stand in front of a giant, silent bronze bell with a crack in it. They tour a stately but small building where flawed men drew up something that outlived them.
They come to see symbols of freedom that are famous specifically because they are fractured—forged by fallible people who together made a promise that was clear, beautiful, and enduring: Prosperity, Freedom, and Dignity. In Philadelphia, that commitment to making a promise real, even in our darkest times, still echoes. Now, it is our turn to ring the bell.
The Urgency of 1776
As Philadelphia’s 250th anniversary approaches, we must summon the urgency of 1776 to bridge the systemic gaps blocking our students from economic mobility. Right now, Philly ranks last among the nation’s 50 largest cities for economic mobility. That is a reality we refuse to accept.
At Heights Philadelphia, a fracture in the system isn’t a signal to give up — it’s an invitation to step in. We are working to bridge these divides by fueling:
- Social Capital: We are doubling down on the networks once reserved for a privileged few. In FY25, we facilitated 209 paid internships through 100+ partner companies.
- Mutual Aid: This isn’t charity; it’s our city’s lifeblood. When our students succeed, our businesses thrive and our city’s economy grows.
My Ask to You
On Friday, June 12, the Class of 2026 will walk across the ballfield at Citizens Bank Park. They are the living proof that 250 years later, we can finally make the promise of 1776 a reality for everyone.
I am asking you to join me in making this promise real. We need your boldest support to ensure these students have the resources they need to cross that finish line and enter the workforce with power. This isn’t just a donation; it is an investment in the “unfinished business” of our city.
Will you join our community and give to the Spring Fundraising Campaign today?
With gratitude,
Sean
