2021
Adopted Our New Name!
We changed our name to Children First to make sure our mission and priorities are front and center.
Level Up School Funding
We led the creation of the Level Up Coalition that persuaded state lawmakers to invest $100 million in new funding for the state’s 100 neediest school districts.
No More Dreams Deferred
Our groundbreaking report documented shocking racial disparities in suburban Philadelphia school districts. We found that classrooms with the most children of color have on average $35,000 less to invest in education.
New Statewide Campaign to Stop Child Lead Poisoning
Building on our successes in Philadelphia and southeastern PA, Children First brought together 47 rural, suburban, and urban organizations to launch the statewide PA Lead-Free Promise Project.
New Protections for the Most Vulnerable Children
On the heels of repeated reports of children in institutions being physically and sexually abused, Children First persuaded Philadelphia City Council to fund the first Youth Ombudsperson’s Office to safeguard children from harm.
Lifeline for Early Learning Programs
COVID took a huge toll on the child care sector, so we rallied support for the state to invest $130 million in emergency funds to help providers stay open throughout the pandemic. These dollars enabled 85% of early learning programs to stay open, allowing young children to begin learning and parents to stay employed.