A Learning Center classroom

A Project H.O.M.E. Initiative Opens for Business

On December 10, 2003, The Honickman Foundation, in partnership with Project H.O.M.E. and the Comcast Foundation, completed construction on a 38,000 square foot comprehensive learning center. Located on the 1900 block of North Judson Street, in the North Central neighborhood of Philadelphia, the Center's programs are tailored to help residents of the community – children, youth, adults and families – move toward greater prosperity by increasing their educational and employment opportunities through comprehensive technology and literacy instruction.

The Center spent its pre-opening weeks with extensive staff training and acclimating to the new facility and the incredible technology it offers. On January 20, 2004, the Center officially opened its doors to the neighborhood by welcoming 70 very excited children to its K-6 After-School program. Soon after, the Teen program opened its doors to over 50 participating students and by early February, adult education classes and tutoring were underway. Additional programs will be phased in at the Center in the coming weeks.

View photos from our Grand Opening on April 7, 2004!

The Center – equipped with 255 computers and Smart Boards in every classroom to promote interactive learning – offers a cutting-edge educational technology environment as it provides:

  • An after school program with comprehensive literacy instruction;

  • Technology/computer classes that teach children in kindergarten through 6th grades to be "users" of technology;

  • Technology/computer classes that teach teens in 7th through 12th grades to be "creators" of technology (including classes in web design, video production, newspaper production, computer programming and networking);

  • An adult education and workforce development program offering computer training, G.E.D. classes and job search and employment skills training;

  • An art and music program that will include digital photography, computer graphics, ceramics and landscape design, as well as opportunities to compose music on the computer.

The lobby of the Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs.
By providing technology and computer education, as well as youth academic enrichment, art education and adult learning, the following goals will be achieved:
  • Children will read at grade level, or above;

  • Children will achieve or exceed their grade levels in core academic areas;

  • Children will graduate from high school and pursue higher education or employment at a livable wage utilizing their skills in technology;

  • Adults and children will become eligible for higher paying jobs;

  • Technology and art will be integrated into the learning and life of neighborhood residents thereby expanding and strengthening the community.