iRISE PHL
Welcome to the Innovation and Research-Inspired STEM Empowerment in Philadelphia initiative
Building pathways to economic mobility through STEM education, talent and entrepreneurial development
Welcome to the Innovation and Research-Inspired STEM Empowerment in Philadelphia initiative
Building pathways to economic mobility through STEM education, talent and entrepreneurial development
Understanding the Problem
Illustration by M. Davis — Computational Readiness as the gateway to opportunity
Computational readiness is the gateway to success in the innovation and tech economy. To be computationally ready means having the essential STEM knowledge, skills, and abilities to be able to compete for jobs or create jobs. At its core, this includes mathematical (Algebra) and computational thinking skills, and the application of design thinking to solve real-world problems.
Mastery of algebraic concepts forms the mathematical foundation for STEM learning and unlocks the door to post-secondary pathways for college and career.
The ability to break down complex problems into their components, recognize patterns and build models for solving them.
The ability to apply empathy and humanistic understanding, mathematical and computational thinking to solve real-world problems.
This crisis has significant economic implications as the continued growth of Philadelphia's innovation and tech-economy depends on the development of STEM talent.
The Innovation and Research-Inspired STEM Empowerment in Philadelphia (iRISE PHL) is a city-wide nonprofit initiative dedicated to accelerating and scaling economic mobility through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, talent and entrepreneurial development.
iRISE PHL envisions a vibrant STEM opportunity ecosystem where all Philadelphia communities and residents are able to compete and reach their full potential in the innovation and tech-economy of the Greater Philadelphia region. iRISE PHL is particularly committed to addressing economic mobility in underserved and underestimated communities. Our mission is to support growth of Philadelphia's innovation and tech economy by increasing the production and development of STEM talent, innovators and entrepreneurs from all zip codes, neighborhoods and communities.
iRISE PHL is a systems-adjacent and community-facing nonprofit organization utilizing a collective impact model. Serving as a backbone organization, iRISE PHL is building a broad coalition of public-private sector stakeholders including community and faith-based organizations, municipal agencies, K-12 and higher ed institutions and industry partners. Our strategy is both place-based and people-focused, and focused on:
Founder & Managing Director
Co-Founder & Lead Partner
K12 Learning Systems
Co-Founder & Lead Partner
K12 Learning Systems
Co-Founder & Lead Partner
Computational Mathematics
Co-Founder and Lead Partner
Community Engagement & Partnerships
Bringing together educators, students, families, and partners to advance Philadelphia's STEM future.
Convening Philadelphia's STEM education leaders, community partners, and policymakers for high-impact dialogue on expanding computational readiness across the city.
Annual gathering — dates announced seasonally
Learn MoreA city-wide celebration of STEM innovation featuring student showcases, hands-on activities, demonstrations from Philadelphia's leading tech companies, and pathways to future opportunity.
Annual spring event — open to all Philadelphia families
Learn MoreYour contribution helps open the gateway of computational readiness for students across Philadelphia who need it most.