Access to education is an overwhelming issue in many parts of the world. The United States is

no exception. We are highlighting non-profit organizations that help reduce education inequality

in hopes that it will inspire more philanthropy. Universal Companies is a Philadelphia non-profit

that creates educational, cultural and economic opportunities to break the cycle of generational

poverty. Through providing resources for Philadelphia schools, their impact is immense and has

been magnified during COVID-19. FunTimes speaks to Dr. Penny Nixon, the Senior Executive

Vice President of Education and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Universal Companies, to

learn about their work and explore the potential of positive transformation that can blossom from

this harrowing time.

Dr. Nixon says COVID-19 has uncovered the gravity of gaps in equality and access, and forced

communities to face them, especially in the education. “COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented

challenge to the education sector. We are truly in unchartered territory. On all levels, COVID-19

has turned a spotlight on the economic disparities of our nation’s schools and how these

disparities contribute to education and income equality in this nation,” Dr. Nixon said.

 

Although her mission of leading Universal Schools has not changed during the pandemic, Dr.

Nixon shares that her strategy has shifted in an unusual way: “The health and safety and the

academic achievement of all scholars have always been my priority. However, in this pandemic,

health and safety has taken on new meaning and supporting our scholars academically changed

as we moved from in-person learning to totally virtual learning. The goals remain the same. But,

the strategies for reaching those goals have been drastically different.

As Superintendent/CEO of Universal Schools, I have also had to ensure that I will continue to

make sound decisions that support the Universal Education Community as we continue to strive

to educate our children at high levels.”

Universal Schools is working to allocate resources for students so everyone can have an equal

opportunity to reach academic heights during COVID. Dr. Nixon explains the successes and

challenges of this endeavor: “Universal Schools did an excellent job of ensuring that our scholars

had the necessary technology to participate in virtual learning. Our school staff became 100%

committed to participating in professional development to enhance their skills to provide virtual

learning and supports. Schools leaders worked overtime to support school staff and continue to

lead with confidence.

“Despite our best efforts, I am still challenged by learning opportunities for all students.

We’ve always had gaps in students learning opportunities after school, weekends and in the

summer. Students in urban schools suffer the consequences of those gaps more than affluent

children, who typically have lots of opportunities to fill in those gaps. I’m hoping that we can

learn some things about online delivery of not only instruction, but an array of opportunities for

learning and support. This way, we can make the most of this crisis to help redesign better

systems of education and child development.

Now, many parents find themselves co-teaching with educators. Dr. Nixon has special advice for

these parents: “Virtually, all parents are doing some form of homeschooling, whether they want

to or not. The challenge of course for parents is that they are contending with working from

home, and in other cases having to leave home to do their job. My advice to parents is to try to

balance all of the responsibilities that have landed on your plate during this unprecedented time.

Also, use the resources that are being provided by the state, city and schools. Don’t be afraid to

reach out for help and assistance.”

A long-term strategist, Dr. Nixon wishes for this COVID shift to catalyze a great transformation

in the blueprint of education in the U.S: “It is my hope that the effects of this pandemic on

schools inspires an overhaul of the American education system. The most obvious place to start

for schools is working on equitable access to educational technology as a way to close the digital achievement gap.”

Are you a student, parent or educator with an interesting education experience during COVID-

19? Email us at [email protected], we love to hear from you!