Special to the Record
Phoenix Charter Academy is one of 150 local nonprofits that will share in $30 million through Cummings Foundation’s major annual grants program.
The Massachusetts group of three public charter high schools was selected from a total of 630 applicants during a competitive review process and will receive $225,000 over three years to support its schools in Chelsea and Lawrence.
“We were thrilled to receive this news from the Cummings Foundation,” said Beth Anderson, Phoenix’s founder and CEO. “We are so excited that the Foundation is able to support our flexible and
community-responsive model of healing with our youth, who oftentimes find themselves in the margins of traditional public education systems. We are excited to collaborate with families, young people and our schools’ communities to ensure the consistent progress of our scholars toward a life where they can thrive.”
The grant funds will be used by Phoenix Charter Academy to expand and deepen its system of student supports, including its advisory programming. At Phoenix, every student is matched with an advisor (often known as a “Primary Person”) who serves as their go-to for any challenges they may encounter. These advisors also become students’ number one cheerleader for success, pushing them towards their goals.
The funds from the Cummings grant will also be used to support Phoenix’s social-emotional learning program, as well as its commitment to restorative justice practices.
“The way the local nonprofit sector perseveres, steps up, and pivots to meet the shifting needs of the community is most impressive,” said Cummings Foundation Executive Director Joyce Vyriotes. “We are incredibly grateful for these tireless efforts to support people in the community and to increase equity and access to opportunities.”