Discovery Pathways

Community Health - Discovery Pathways organized 3 large community health fairs and a Southeast Asian Water Festival. Over 7,347 people attended these events. Events included healthy food, movement, games, dance, cooking, free seeds, gardening lessons, and health resources. Partners at these events included Greener Partners, Vetri Community, Spinco, Jefferson Refugee Health Partners, and more. We distributed over 11,000 pounds of free produce and related cooking recipes. DP also connected families to free food at local pantries and kitchens. All our programs are culturally relevant and we work to translate outreach and materials. Throughout the year, we distributed 2950 healthy meals to youth and families. We held 3 larger educational health events for the community that featured free food, health materials, exercise instruction, and more. We organized and led a series of cooking classes and healthy eating programs in multiple languages. Many of our students experience barriers to accessing healthy food. We've made it part of our mission to ensure that our students are fed every day of our program. In addition to the meals we also provided many more snacks throughout our programs. New food partnerships with Sharing Excess, Double Trellis, and Phila Parks and Recreation helped us provide more.

Youth Empowerment Program: 31 students completed all components of a Environmental Education and Empowerment Program. Students were trained in Work Ready skills. 100% earned badges in kayak instruction, water testing science, public speaking, and environmental stewardship. Students learned communication skills, teamwork, watershed science and history, birding, species identification, fishing and advocacy as they worked collaboratively over 9 intensive summer weeks. Students implemented passion projects that included murals, raps, and videos. Programs continued through the fall. New youth became quickly empowered as leaders and taught boating, fishing, safety in nature, and more. 197 students applied for our summer program and 185 attended at least one meeting and event. Students completed scientific Ecoli and bacteria water testing for 18 weeks. We led 13 trips outside of South Philly with our youth program. These include rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, and team building. 3 new educational signs were installed in FDR Park by youth. Summer culminated in a 4-day camping trip with 27 youth and youth leaders. A new second camping trip was added for 20 students who didn't get into our full program. 9 graduating seniors received extensive support applying to college and 7 received full ride scholarships. Programs and student support have been extended to year-round in 2024.

Youth Dragon Boat Team and Health Program - In 2024 we finally launched our youth Dragon Boat Racing Team. 57 youth came to practices, with a core group of 38 youth regularly attending. We break down all barriers to access, providing everything free including clothes, equipment, race entry, and more. Land workouts began in March and continued through December. All students were new to this cultural sport and 90% were new to any exercise programs. The youth exceeded all expectations and won the regional Youth Cup, 2 gold medals, and a silver medal. Practices increased to 4 times a week for much of the summer and fall. In addition to practices at FDR Park and the Schuylkill River, exercise continued in local parks and Rec Centers. 5 students were even invited to try out for Team USA. No students are cut based on physical skills, and instead we prioritize dedication and commitment to the team.