Sunrise’s afterschool and summer programs serve over 1,000 students per year in grades K-12, offering a progression of educational enrichment activities focused on preparing young people for success in education and careers. We create a family-like atmosphere that supports each youth as an individual, as part of a family, and within the community. Sunrise programs operate in five host schools: Southwark, Key, Stanton, and Chester A. Arthur Elementary Schools, as well as South Philadelphia High School.
Our target area of South Philadelphia faces unique challenges as a diverse community with immigration from over 32 countries. Given our proven track record and strong working relationships, Sunrise stands in a unique position to establish pathways to the future for youth whose needs associated with poverty and immigration/Limited English Proficiency lower chances for graduating high school and connecting to post-secondary opportunities. Our model focuses on key tasks and transitions, as well as needed supports, that research shows are vital for youth.
Sunrise’s elementary programs support children in building foundational academic skills, as well as creativity and self-expression. In addition to homework assistance and recreation, our out-of-school time programs offer literacy activities that bring reading alive and respond to students’ unique needs, especially the many English Language Learners (ELLs) in our program. Research shows that 3rd grade is when students go from learning to read, to reading to learn – making this time key to future academic success.
Our middle school programs offer a safe, engaging and student-centered environment that helps youth build a strong sense of self and begin to explore future options. School attendance and grades in 6-9th grades are a strong indicator of students’ academic achievement and path after high school. Research also shows that exposing low-income students, especially first-generation college goers, to career possibilities and the college access process in middle school increases the likelihood of successful high school completion and post-secondary success. Sunrise helps prepare students for the transition to high school and have a support system to help them succeed in the long term.
Sunrise’s high school programs continue to provide caring adults and supports that help youth stay on the path to graduation, while also planning for the future and building the skills needed to succeed in post-secondary endeavors. At South Philadelphia High School, Sunrise’s Teen Lounge and afterschool clubs balance high interest activities that allow students to discover areas of passion and exercise leadership with personal supports. Each summer, Sunrise also manages paid work experience and career readiness seminars that connect work and learning.
Our Impact
Sunrise’s success in engaging students and supporting their academic and personal development is evidenced by student attendance and retention, as well as academic indicators. In 2015-16, 63% of Sunrise participants attended 30 or more days of programming (K-12). External evaluation (2015) of Sunrise’s 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) show that 94% of students who attended our program made achievement level gains (moving at least one letter grade from fall to spring) or maintained a C or better in reading. According to PSSA scores (students 3rd grade and above), 42% of students who regularly attended our program scored proficient or advanced in reading, compared to just 23% of non-participating students. Sunrise’s 2015 summer learning program directly impacted student’s literacy levels – data shows 75% of Sunrise’s students maintained current reading levels, while non-participating students lost an average of two reading levels during the summer. Thirty percent of South Philadelphia High School’s graduating class of 2015 was able to graduate after completing credits through Sunrise credit recovery.
Who We Are
Executive Board of Directors:
• Michael Rosman - Chair, Wells Fargo
• Anthony N. Di Pietro, M.Ed. - Vice Chair/Treasurer, former high school principal and South Philadelphia High School Hall of Fame member
• Frank Robinson, Secretary - Managing Partner at Kairos Development Group
Founders:
• Loretta V. Crea
• Dr. Benjamin DiTullio, Ed.D.
• Vincent J. Litrenta
• Alfonso A. Sorichetti
Staff:
Administrative Office:
Vincent J. Litrenta, Executive Director - VLitrenta@SunriseofPhila.org
Laura Johnson, Director of Programs and Evaluation - LJohnson@SunriseofPhila.org
Anthony LaMorgia, Director of Finance and Operations - ALamorgia@SunriseofPhila.org
Angela Jubinville, M.S.Ed., Program Quality Director - AJubinville@SunriseofPhila.org
Christina DeAngelo, Grant Financial Coordinator - CDeAngelo@SunriseofPhila.org
Kasey Thompson, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Family Engagement - KThompson@SunriseofPhila.org
Van Dien Tsang, Asian Community Outreach Coordinator
Dominick LaMorgia, Audit and Compliance Specialist
South Philadelphia High School Site:
Keyonis Johnson, Site Director - KJohnson@SunriseofPhila.org
Southwark School Site:
Julie Laquer, Site Director and Media Coordinator - JLaquer@SunriseofPhila.org
Erika Risko-Brannon, Lead Teacher - ERisko-Brannon@SunriseofPhila.org
Francis Scott Key School:
William Tsang, Site Director, Chef and PSAYDN PA Stembassador - WTsang@SunriseofPhila.org
Chester A. Arthur School and Edwin M. Stanton School:
Katherine Kushin, Site Director - KKushin@SunriseofPhila.org
Jacqueline Smith, Lead Teacher - JSmith@SunriseofPhila.org