Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is playing a pivotal role off the field, donating $200,000 to the School District of Philadelphia to install new air conditioning units in 10 local schools. The schools set to benefit from Hurts' contribution include Clara Barton, Gloria Casarez, Castor Gardens, D. Newlin Fell, Thomas Finletter, Fitler Academics Plus, Benjamin Franklin/Science Leadership Academy, Edward Gideon, Abram Jenks, and T. Roosevelt, as reported by FOX29.
Philadelphia's schools have been challenged by rising temperatures, sometimes necessitating early dismissals. Research, including a report from the National Bureau of Economic Research, underscored by CBS News, indicates that for each 1-degree rise in temperature during the school year, there's a corresponding 1% decline in what students learn. Hurts' donation aims to alleviate the distressing heat's impact, creating a more conducive learning environment in these institutions.
"We are incredibly grateful to Jalen Hurts for his generosity and commitment to our schools, our students, and our employees," Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr. Ed.D., expressed. "This contribution not only enhances the physical infrastructure of our schools but also demonstrates a meaningful investment in our student’s well-being and academic success," he noted, in a sentiment reported by NBC Philadelphia.
Hurts, 25, has received a wave of appreciation within the community for his action, reflecting a broader recognition of the intersection between facility adequacy and student performance.