Wissahickon Charter School is incredibly grateful to the PNC Charitable Trust for a $15,000 grant to support the expansion of our middle school athletics program. Last year, WCS joined the Metropolitan Philadelphia Athletic Association (MPAA), which greatly increased the variety of sports teams available to our students. In addition to basketball, wrestling, and cheerleading, which were already offered at Wissahickon, students can now participate in volleyball, baseball, softball, golf, bowling, cross-country, track and field, and soccer. Interest amongst students quickly grew, and this year we expect to field a team in every sport offered.

WCS has always believed that extracurricular activities are essential to a well-rounded academic journey and lifelong well-being. Through athletics, students build resilience, cooperation, and a love of physical activity. Expanding our offerings also reflects an understanding that students have diverse interests and strengths. With options like golf, bowling, and cross-country, we create more opportunities for students to discover new passions while developing confidence, persistence, and leadership.

Funding from PNC will allow WCS to purchase essential start-up equipment for these newly formed teams. This includes team-based equipment such as nets, balls, goals, and bats, as well as player-issued gear (to be reused each year when possible) for each participating student, including uniforms, baseball gloves, shin guards, and more.

In addition to equipment support from PNC, funding raised through WissaGIVING is helping offset league dues and staffing costs. Together, these investments ensure there is no cost to participate, so a family’s financial circumstances are never a barrier to joining a team.

Thank you to everyone who has made these opportunities possible for our community!