We are pleased to share that we are the recipients of a new $35,000 grant from the Lincoln Financial Foundation to support the continued operation of the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI), our cohort-based, employer-driven job training program.

On Saturday, December 9, celebrate the holiday season with events and deals across University City and West Philadelphia! Get into the holiday spirit by shopping at local vendor markets, enjoying one-day offers from restaurants and small businesses, and enjoying festive events throughout the neighborhood.

We are sharing our gratitude in announcing that Citizens Bank has awarded us a $75,000 grant to support our nationally-recognized job training program, the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI). This generous contribution pushes the total support offered by the Citizens Charitable Foundation to the Skills Initiative to over $600,000 since our program's inception.

At University City District, the unifying mission across all our work is to change places and change lives. This mission is evident in our West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, where we recruit Philadelphians to train for meaningful, career-changing positions with major employers. It’s clear in our Green City Works landscaping social venture, which employs West Philadelphians in well-paying, full-year landscaping positions.

Today, we are excited to share news of the arrival of two new colleagues at University City District! Join us in welcoming Salimah Fields as our new Finance and Administrative Coordinator, and Hanchao Zhang as our new Landscape Designer/Sales Representative for Green City Works.

Since its debut in 2010, the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll has grown into a hugely popular event. Neighbors and Philadelphians from around the city convene on Baltimore Avenue to enjoy deals from local businesses, plus live music, free activities for kids, and a chance to experience one of our favorite commercial corridors in West Philadelphia.

The Food Trust, one of the organizations that operates farmers' markets throughout the city, has announced a new footprint and layout for their popular Clark Park Farmers Market. Beginning August 12th, 2023, the market will alter its footprint from 43rd between Baltimore Avenue and Chester Avenue to occupying half of 43rd Street and the sidewalk along the north side of Chester Avenue. This change is due to the construction underway at 43rd and Baltimore, which has created significant physical barriers and safety issues.

Our West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) and West Philadelphia-based sustainable fashion brand Grant Blvd are launching a pilot partnership called Fashion the Future to recruit, train, and employ formerly incarcerated women in positions within the fashion field.

PLEASE NOTE: The deadline to apply for the September 2023 Stroll has passed. If you are interested in applying to vend at future Dollar Strolls, you may email Margaret Leidy Starke, Senior Manager of Events and Community Partnerships, at [email protected].