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Education & Community Relations 
West Oak Lane Charter SchoolDates of operation: Opened in September 1998 Description: Quality education is a necessity in any vibrant community. For this reason, OARC established the West Oak Lane Charter School (WOLCS) to address the lack of quality education options for West Oak Lane residents. The education experience at WOLCS features a longer school day and longer school year, no more than 26 students per class, full-day kindergarten, innovative and research proven curriculum, emphasizing hands-on-learning. OARC works closely with WOLCS administration to ensure that the school operates in close cooperation with the families and the community that it is intended to benefit. Accomplishments:
Partners: WOLCS Administration, WOLCS Board of Directors Hope Charter SchoolDates of operation: Opened in September 2002 Description: OARC owns the property at 2116 E. Haines Street, previously the Penn Emblem Manufacturing Company, that at one time housed a 68,500 square foot job training facility. Today, following major renovations completed, the facility houses the HOPE Charter School, a school managed by the Juvenile Justice Center (JJC) since 2002 for approximately 400 at-risk high school students. OARC worked closely with JJC in developing a curriculum that would serve to prepare students for the workforce. Partners: Rowan Development, Inc.; Juvenile Justice Center; Hope Charter School Administration New Media Technology Charter SchoolDates of operation: Opened in September 2004 Description: OARC located a facility suitable for a small school in the West Oak Lane community and renovated the building for occupancy of the New Media Technology Charter School. New Media Technology Charter School opened with 100 9th grade students in September 2004 after Philadelphia BAEO, in partnership with the Lotus Academy, was granted a charter from the Philadelphia School Reform. This school is one of 15 “Small High Schools” created in low-income, black communities as a result of a grant awarded to National BAEO by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. OARC most recently facilitated the future growth of New Media Technology by assisting with development of a long term facility expansion plan as well as identifying a building to house the school into the future. Accomplishments:
Partners: Philadelphia BAEO, Lotus Academy, New Media Technology Charter School Administration and Board of Directors Funders: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development NIA CenterDates of operation: Monday - Friday Description: The NIA Center, named for the fifth principle of Kwaanza that means purpose, was a turnkey project developed by the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition on behalf of OARC. The 14,000 square foot building is occupied on the first and second level by a Comprehensive Day Care Center and a Head Start Program run by the School District of Philadelphia. The programs ensure that children in the community have a strong foundation in preparation for learning in the K-12 school environment. Partners: Rowan Development, Inc. West Oak Lane Neighborhood PlanDates of Operation: May 2005 – August 2006 Description: OARC was awarded a planning grant from the Wachovia Regional Foundation, to develop a comprehensive neighborhood plan for the West Oak Lane community. The plan was resident-driven and included the collaboration of community-based organizations and other stakeholders in the community. This plan was intended to build upon a prior plan that ended in 2004, which was initiated by OARC to address the needs of the community. The Wachovia Neighborhood Plan provided a roadmap for development and implementation using goals outlined in the plan's final version for the purpose of transforming the community over the next five years. Accomplishments:
Partners: Office of State Representative Dwight Evans, Office of State Representative Cherelle Parker, West Oak Lane Senior Center, West Oak Lane Business Association, Masjidullah, Inc., St. Athanasius Catholic Church, Simons Recreation Center Advisory Council, William Rowan Elementary School, Concerned Black Men, Friends of OARC Funders: Wachovia Regional Foundation; OARC Download the Strategic Neighborhood Plan 2006 (PDF)Ogontz Area Neighborhood AssessmentDates of Operation: July 2004 – May 2005 Description: A consultant was hired to conduct a neighborhood assessment within a target area of 50 blocks in West Oak Lane surrounding the 7100 and 7200 blocks of Ogontz Avenue. A survey instrument was used for neighbors to express thoughts held about community beautification, education, safety, sanitation, and activities available in their neighborhood. Theoretically, the assessment would uncover challenges residents face, determine the volume of seniors and disabled persons residing in the community, and identify occupied versus abandoned homes in the target area. The end result was to be a comprehensive report with recommendations for a Multi-Year Community Enhancement Plan. Accomplishments:
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