In a city where education can be as big a part of its identity as the Liberty Bell, Serve Philadelphia VISTAs are silently stitching together a network of support for 13,000 students across twenty Community Schools in Philadelphia. In a recent spotlight by the city's government, two VISTAs, Jessica La and Milani Walker, alongside their supervisor, Maxwell Akuamoah-Boateng, shared insights on their behind-the-scenes roles in these crucial educational hubs.
Their work, to put it simply, extends well beyond managing textbooks and lesson plans. Community Schools, integral to local ecosystems, offer more than academic resources; they provide a community nexus – extending opportunities and support to neighborhoods thirsting for engagement. La's efforts in organizing volunteer appreciation events have not just celebrated contributions, but they've also fortified a sense of collective purpose. According to Phila.gov, she remembers this as a particularly "memorable" experience.
Walker's achievements include the crafting of an intuitive strategic plan that harmonizes collective insight with clarity – a plan that emerged from her dedicated visits across multiple Community Schools. In her words, which she shared in an interview with the city's publication, "During the process I spent time in person at different Community Schools and it gave me a deeper understanding. I was motivated to make sure the plan was informative and written so everyone could understand it."
The partnership has not been without its hurdles. La and Walker had to navigate the uncertain transition period following their initial supervisor's departure. But with Akuamoah-Boateng's leadership, they managed to quickly find their footing again, taking control over the work that lay ahead. Now, their synergy and efficiency draw light chuckles from Akuamoah-Boateng, who openly admits the challenge to "keep up" with their pace, often finding them "ahead of schedule," as he told Phila.gov.
It's their groundwork, keen on streamlining operations and strategy, that informs policy recommendations that enhance services like food security initiatives with the Office of Children and Families. While their next steps may be undefined, one thing is clear: Jessica La and Milani Walker have left an indelible mark on Philadelphia’s Community Schools, shaping a legacy that speaks to the city's commitment to collective growth and the importance of rooted, educational stewardship.
