Here’s some great news for two West Philly-based high schools and one high school located in Southwest Philadelphia. Overbrook, West Philadelphia, and Bartram High Schools have been designated by the School District of Philadelphia as locations for a new “21st Century Schools Model.” The new education model will provide these schools with blended instruction and hands-on experience that will prepare them for success in the following high-demand industries after graduation: Transportation & Logistics, Entertainment and Urban Development.

Overbrook High School will provide Entertainment Industry programs in Digital Design, Film & Television, Music Industry and Entertainment Management.

West Philadelphia High School will provide Urban Development programs in Real Estate, Information Technology, Entrepreneurship and Arts & Cultural Studies.

John Bartram High School will provide Transportation and Logistics Industry programs in Automotive (Mechanics & Collision Repair), Supply Management Specialist/Logistician, Warehousing (*CDL), and Rail, Air and Road Transportation.

The District will launch the 21st Century Schools Model next school year (2023-2024).

After choosing an industry-based career pathway, students at these schools will be immersed in an integrated and career-focused curriculum, receive side-by-side classroom instruction and field experience, earn applicable industry certifications and more. They will also have increased access to internships every year, and employment opportunities upon successful completion of the program.

Industries were selected based on labor market trends in collaboration with local business partners, and paired with these schools based on their history and capacity. Depending on their success, these and other high-demand industry programs will expand to other neighborhood high schools over time.