05/30/2026
As we count down to PEF’s 40th Anniversary Gala (5 DAYS TO GO!) we’re continuing to spotlight the people that help illuminate our legacy of impact, including those educators, leaders, and advocates whose work reflects the power of sustained support and opportunity. Today, we’re featuring Richard Gordon , who partnered with PEF’s consultancy practice to improve the college-going culture at Paul Robeson High School that changed outcomes — and possibilities — for students for years to come.
“The Philadelphia Education Fund was integral to our success at Paul Robeson High School , partnering with me and my leadership team monthly to plan strategically around academics, graduation, on-track performance, and post-secondary opportunities. Their guidance helped us achieve historic milestones, including sending a student to Harvard University—the first Ivy League acceptance in our school’s history—and cultivating a college-going culture that contributed to my recognition as a three-time National Principal of the Year and Pennsylvania Principal of the Year, the first in the 208-year history of the School District of Philadelphia .
Forty years later, the Philadelphia Education Fund’s mission continues to embody the values that guided my work at Paul Robeson High School, championing equity, opportunity, and belief in every student. Through their sustained partnership and strategic guidance, we built a college-going culture that produced historic accomplishments and empowered students to believe in their potential—work that continues to inspire me today in my role as Assistant Superintendent of Philadelphia’s largest high school network.
Join us on June 4 as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary during an evening of cocktails, dinner, awards, and an engaging conversation on the future of education.
TAP LINK IN BIO FOR DETAILS ℹ️ & TICKETS 🎟️ (on sale until Monday at 4:00pm)
