December 20, 2011

As you may be aware, the United States Department of Education (DOE) announced yesterday the award of five year Promise Neighborhood Implementation Grants to awardees around the Country - unfortunately, for the City, and more specifically the residents and students residing in the Point Breeze and Grays Ferry neighborhoods, Universal’s Implementation application was not awarded. 

Our pursuit of this grant was consistent with all of Universal’s ongoing efforts to fulfill the commitment we have made to the communities we serve, and our strategic partners. It was clearly seen as an additional support in our efforts, but in no way defines who we are, or what we do.

While we were extremely disappointed that we were not successful during this funding round, Universal is even more optimistic and resolved to achieve the goals of the Promise Neighborhood.  In the words of one of Gamble and Huff’s greatest Sound of Philadelphia songs, there still, “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.” 
 
Universal will continue to move forward with the full implementation of our proposal submitted to the Department of Education.  Our intention is to review the feedback from DOE and submit a revised application in 2012.  In the interim we will vigorously pursue funding for all or significant parts of our proposal in the public and private sector, specifically with our great partners, the City, the School District, the William Penn Foundation, and some of our great colleges and universities like Community College and Drexel University.

I want to personally thank everyone who worked so hard to help develop this great plan, as well as those who continue to keep our ongoing work moving. 

I look forward to the progress we will make in 2012 – we will be successful.

- Rahim Islam