Impact Report

Update from the Executive Director

During the 2023-2024 school year, we had the honor of supporting students by partnering with schools and community based organizations in our community. We spent another school year bringing their exuberant energy to play alongside students, fostering environments where children feel supported, active, and connected.

Our journey is far from finished. As we continue towards our goal of ensuring every kid in America plays every day, we are developing innovative new ways to bring play to new communities. We’re expanding our digital learning and widening our reach with community-based organizations, which will allow us to make our practices accessible to even more adults who uplift kids.

We couldn’t have made this type of impact without you!

This year we served

42,914

Students

175

Youth Leaders

79

Partners

71.33% Free/Reduced Lunch Eligible Students

“Students use techniques such as Roshambo to solve issues in the classroom. They do this without being prompted and I love that. During recess students are learning games that help them build on their relationships.”

– Classroom Teacher

According to our Annual Survey,

% of educators agree that Playworks helps…

increase the number of students that are
physically active

96%

students develop the skills to succeed in their learning community

93%

improve the school climate

96%

create an environment of belonging

98%

reduction in the number of disciplinary incidents

88%

create opportunities for inclusion of diverse groups of students

97%

Local highlight

In celebration of play’s transformative influence on children’s physical, social, and emotional well-being, Playworks recently had the pleasure of honoring The School District of Philadelphia (SDP) as a distinguished “Blue Shirt District.” The recognition uplifts the district’s unwavering commitment to fostering play and its integration into the educational journey of students.

The ceremony took place on Friday, March 15 at Andrew Hamilton School, one of 150 elementary schools across the district that have embraced the power of play in partnership with Playworks. During the event, SDP Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr. Ed.D accepted the award alongside members of the Office of School Climate & Culture, Playworks CEO Elizabeth Cushing, and members of the Playworks Pennsylvania team.