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Our Mission

Hope Partnership for Education is a North Philadelphia independent middle school and education center that provides a high quality, values-based education that supports and challenges students from adolescence to adulthood.

From the President & CEO

Here at Hope Partnership for Education we believe in the Dr. Martin Luther King’s Beloved Community, a community in which everyone is cared for. Since our founding in 2002, we have allowed this belief to guide the way we serve our students and families. This belief is personified by a talented staff, robust community partnerships, and host of dedicated supporters. We welcome you to explore more!

Join us to Celebrate the Spirit of Hope: Hope Partnership for Education's 18th Annual Friendraiser

On behalf of Mr. Virgil Sheppard, President & CEO, and the Board of Trustees, join us for a joy-filled evening of live music, dinner, and a silent auction!

For the past 17 years, Hope Partnership for Education has gathered champions, staff, and community advocates at the Friendraiser to celebrate the collective efforts of our students and members of the alumni community. This year, Hope is thrilled to honor two educators who have served as inspiration for students, peers, and the community in Philadelphia—Mrs. Maureen Oblea and Mr. Christopher Swider. They have taught at Hope Partnership School for 25 years collectively.

Hear Mr. Virgil Sheppard's interview on Dr. Val Gay's King Crush Thursday

"Welcome to the 130th Episode of King Crush Thursday, the Podcast Interview. In this series, we highlight and uplift black men, because we need to support our community. The men who are featured in this series come from different segments of our society and are successfully living their lives. Now, when I say success, I define that word in multiple ways. Some are professionals, some have lucrative businesses, some are blue collar workers. All of them embody strength and dignity and have something to say. And I want them to say it here."
- Val Gay

EPISODE 130 Virgil Sheppard @virgilsheppard6 currently serves as the President/CEO of Hope Partnership for Education. Hope Partnership for Education is a North Philadelphia independent middle school and education center that provides a high quality, values-based education that supports and challenges students from adolescence to adulthood. Prior to Hope, Virgil served as the senior national school partnerships director for City Year where he was responsible for developing a partnership strategy that maximized student and school outcomes. Virgil is a proud West Philadelphia native, a Graduate of Temple and Cheyney Universities. And Virgil is a Pahara Aspen Next-Gen Fellow.

New Hope Partnership Partnership

The organization has been awarded a generous grant of $110,000 from the
William Penn Foundation – its first from the philanthropic institution - further supporting its mission to challenge and support students from adolescence to adulthood.

Central to the success of this grant award is the strategic collaboration between Hope Partnership for Education, Latinos Educando Juntos, and Learn, Empower, Grow Consulting Group. This partnership harnesses the collective expertise and resources of each organization to expand culturally relevant early childhood education opportunities for Hispanic educators.