The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is strengthening its commitment to impactful community partnerships through a dynamic initiative with Temple University's football team and Paul L. Dunbar School in North Philadelphia.  

Spearheaded by Meghan Raisch, assistant professor of instruction the initiative brings together education, athletics and local partners to inspire and uplift students at Dunbar, a community school serving kindergarten through eighth grade. Many Temple football players involved are CEHD students enrolled in the Adult Learning, Training and Organizational (ALTOD) and Human Development and Community Engagement (HDCE) programs.  

Raisch highlights the vital role of Temple Football in the project. "The leadership from Temple Football, especially through Director of Player Development Bruce Johnson, has been invaluable in creating opportunities for our student-athletes to engage in community service," she said. "These initiatives align perfectly with our mission to connect our students with meaningful work that benefits the community."  

Prioritizing Representation and Literacy  

A cornerstone of this initiative is providing culturally relevant reading materials to Dunbar's students. Linnea Hunter, Dunbar's academic lead teacher for English language arts and social studies, and a proud Temple Owl and graduate of the College of Liberal Arts, emphasized the importance of these resources. "We wanted to give students books that reflect their culture and experiences," said Hunter. 

"Children's books written by African American authors—especially female authors—were our priority. Limited budgets made it challenging to acquire these books, but this partnership made it possible."  

This initiative was supported through the strong institutional support of James Earl Davis, the Bernard C. Watson Endowed Chair in Urban Education at Temple University and professor of higher education in the CEHD. The Bernard C. Watson Endowment in Urban Education provided the resources to purchase culturally relevant books for Dunbar students. 

Books like The Me I Choose to Be by Natasha Tarpley have resonated deeply with students. Hunter explained, "These books counter negative narratives by presenting possibilities, hope and pride in their identity."  

Building Positive Relationships  

The collaboration has fostered meaningful interactions through programs like the "Dunbar and Temple Football Reading Buddies." Temple football players visiting classrooms in their uniforms have been a highlight for Dunbar students, inspiring excitement and fostering connections. Hunter recounted the impact, "Their eyes lit up when they saw these big guys walk into the room. It was inspiring to see positive role models from their community taking the time to connect with them." The program also includes engaging activities like Kahoot quizzes on Black History and participation in Read Across America.   

A Former Student's Perspective  

Jovahn Fair, EDU '19, 21, earned his bachelor's in HDCE and his master's in higher education. The former Temple football player is a shining example of the initiative's impact. Fair, who now leads the nonprofit Always Climbing Project in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, shared how his time at Temple and experiences at Dunbar shaped his passion for community engagement.  

"My passion for community engagement started at a young age," Fair said. "At Temple, volunteering at Dunbar allowed me to understand the importance of representation and the value of quality mentorship. I always wanted to create a similar program of my own."  

Fair credits his mentors, like Raisch, and his work with programs like Dunbar's after-school tutoring sessions for helping him build the foundation for his nonprofit. "It's all about the quality of the people working with kids," he said. "They must be relatable, strong mentors who push students in positive directions."  

Today, Always Climbing Project offers mentorship and leadership programs with a curriculum inspired by his experiences. "This initiative showed me how powerful partnerships can be in creating lasting change," Fair said.  

Looking Ahead  

This collaboration exemplifies CEHD's dedication to advancing equity and empowering students through community-focused initiatives. The program fosters leadership, literacy and meaningful connections by connecting Temple's student-athletes with North Philadelphia students.  

"This partnership is about more than providing resources—it's about promoting equity, representation and literacy in a way that empowers students," said Raisch.  

With plans to expand this impactful partnership, the CEHD is committed to preparing its students to lead and serve while inspiring the next generation of learners and leaders in Philadelphia and beyond.