Jalen Hurts Donates $200K for Air Conditioning in Philadelphia Schools

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Gloria Casarez Elementary School, along with seven other schools in the Philadelphia area, has recently undergone significant upgrades with the installation of air conditioning units. This initiative, led by the School District of Philadelphia, aims to improve the learning conditions for students and teachers, particularly during the sweltering summer months. Principal Awilda Balbuena expressed relief that her students will no longer face the challenges of extreme heat, allowing them to focus on their studies without frequent breaks for hydration and cooling off. In July, 41 air conditioning units were installed at Gloria Casarez Elementary as part of a larger effort to address the inadequate cooling in many of the district's aging buildings. Despite these advancements, 63 schools still require proper cooling solutions, and the district is actively working on upgrades. The complexity of these installations is underscored by the age of the buildings, some of which are over 70 years old, necessitating significant engineering and labor to enhance their electrical systems. The initiative has received a boost from the Jalen Hurts Foundation, with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts donating $200,000 to support the air conditioning project. The other schools benefiting from this upgrade include Clara Barton, D. Newlin Fell, and Thomas Finletter, among others. Additionally, Castor Gardens Middle School and Roosevelt Elementary School are set to complete their upgrades by the end of September. Looking ahead, Principal Balbuena is optimistic about the future, noting that the new air conditioning will not only improve the current school year but also open doors for summer school programs starting in 2025, a first for the school.