Partnership Community of Practice
at William Cramp Elementary

2023-2026
Leads: Jamie Shuda & Maya Heiland

Launched in 2023, the Partner Community of Practice (PCoP) at William Cramp Elementary School represents a collaborative effort to expand STEM education access and culturally relevant programming in Philadelphia’s public schools. Anchored by the Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective (PSEC)’s K-12 workgroup, the initiative brings together STEM-focused nonprofit partners, school leaders, teachers, and the Cramp’s Community School Coordinator to co-design and implement culturally relevant, high-quality STEM programming across all grade levels. The initiative is grounded in collective action, shared learning, and a commitment to equity and representation in STEM.

Throughout three schools years, 2023–24, 2024-25, and 2025-26, PCoP partners delivered in-school and out-of-school STEM programming across all grade levels, from Pre-K through 5th grade. Core partners included:

BioEYES (Penn Medicine): Hands-on science using live zebrafish.
The Center for Aquatic Sciences: In-class lessons and schoolwide Aquarium Day.
Elements of Community, Inc. (Young Sharks): Entrepreneurship experiences for 3rd–5th graders.
The Franklin Institute: Afterschool STEM kits and Out-of-School Time educator workshops.
Riverbend Environmental Education Center: Nature-based learning and animal ambassador visits.

In addition, this work would not have been possible without the direct collaboration with the Community School Coordinator, the School Principal, and the Teachers and Staff who participated in the PCoP.

Cramp Elementary is a Community School located in North Philadelphia’s 19140 zip code, was identified through a citywide needs assessment as a priority site based on demographics, student need, and leadership interest in fostering partnerships. Nearly 70% of Cramp students attend the school as their neighborhood option, and the student body is predominantly Hispanic/Latino and Black. Prior to the PCoP, STEM programming at the school was minimal, often limited to infrequent or one-time events.

The school emerged as a strong fit due to its clear need and enthusiastic response from school leadership. Early planning involved exploratory interviews with school-based liaisons, followed by a proposal process for interested partners through PSEC. Proposals were reviewed collaboratively, ensuring alignment with school needs, grade-level coverage, and culturally relevant content.