YouthBuild student James at last year’s MLK Day of Service Project, where YouthBuild Philly students and staff painted murals at Morton Elementary.
On Martin Luther King Day, former high school dropouts will lead a project to repaint the interior of McMichael Elementary School in Mantua.
Philadelphia, PA – Jan 15, 2015– More than 250 students, staff and volunteers from YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School will repaint classrooms, hallways and community spaces at Morton McMichael Elementary on Monday, January 19 to honor the vision and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr..
McMichael Elementary, a K-8 school that serves approximately 400 students, is located in the heart of Mantua and is considered a major community asset in the redeveloping neighborhood.
Volunteers from YouthBuild Philly will spend the morning of January 19 repainting hallways and stairwells inside the elementary school.
“When we take on service projects, we’re aiming for significant community impact that also feels personal. Many of our students come from neighborhoods that are under-resourced,” said YouthBuild Philly Director of Student Life Ameen Akbar. Mr. Akbar oversees YouthBuild Philly’s AmeriCorps and service learning programs. “But we see possibility and hope in many schools, including McMichael Elementary. We are excited to help breathe life into this school, into the heart of a community. It’s not just for the students and teachers. It’s for the broader school community of families and neighbors.”
“Every day is a day of service at YouthBuild Philly” Mr. Akbar added. “It’s a cornerstone of our program. But Martin Luther King Day is special to us because Philadelphians across the city dedicate the day to service, and the number of volunteers grows every year. We are very proud to be part of this movement.”
Students and staff from YouthBuild Philly will be joined by community volunteers from Starbucks and DMi Partners.
MEDIA DETAILS:
Date and time: Monday, January 19, 2015, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Morton McMichael Elementary
3543 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19104
Click for map and street view
Contact Sarah Peterson, speterson@youthbuildphilly.org for additional details or photographs
