Greater Philadelphia Extracurricular Collaborative

Our Mission

The Greater Philadelphia Extracurricular Collaborative’s (GPEC) mission is to support improved social, academic, physical, and behavioral outcomes for children, by working with a broad coalition of critical stakeholders to improve the quality and reach of the out-of-school time and extracurricular ecosystem in the Greater Philadelphia region. 

Our multidimensional effort incorporates education supplements, workforce development, and family support so that children reap benefits across every part of their lives.

Our History

Prompted by Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia in the spring of 2020, a joint task force formed to assist the struggling sector in the wake of COVID-19. The task force included representatives from the philanthropic community and a variety of out-of-school-time providers. 

Throughout the summer of 2020, GPEC engaged in coalition-building, sharing best practices for virtual learning, addressing concerns related to safely resuming in-person programming, and building new pathways of communication with both the City of Philadelphia's Office of Children and Families and the School District of Philadelphia. 

In early 2021, GPEC completed a fundraising campaign for start-up funding to launch the association, begin accepting members, and complete a long-term business plan.

Our Leadership

Seven of the founding participants volunteered to lead this Collaborative in our second year. Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia is acting as the temporary host as GPEC launches.

• Beth Devine, Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative

• Justin Ennis, After School Activities Partnerships (ASAP)

• Rebecca Fabiano, Fab Youth Philly

• Shira Hodges, Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia

• Laura Johnson, Sunrise of Philadelphia, Inc.

• Wendy-Anne Roberts-Johnson, Need in Deed

• Stanford Thompson, Play On Philly