PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Eric Jones is passionate about educating Philadelphia’s youth.
"When I see my students every day, I see myself," Jones says. "Literally. When I see our parents, I see my mom and dad, and reminds me of what they were doing and trying to raise me and my siblings."
Jones greets each student with a warm smile and a high five when they arrive at Community Partnership School, an independent pre-K-through-5th grade school that provides a well-rounded, affordable education for students in the community. He serves as head of school and is committed to helping the children develop a love of learning.
"When we invest in those early years, and our kids, we put them on a path that leads to lifelong well being and success that they're more likely to stay on," he says.
Jones believes in the village concept as a way of investing in the lives of young children, as he had that very same experience.
"You know, whole network. And host of adults, programs, you know ... starting with my mom and dad — but mentors, coaches, peer groups — that positioned me to do things that, frankly, not enough kids in my community had access to," he recalls.
For his students, Jones instills the lessons of the Three C’s — curiosity, courage, compassion. And they carry it with them through life. He says he remains in contact with many of the students who have graduated, making the investment in their lives all the more rewarding.
"That's what my school is about," he says. "Trying to open those doors of access. And we tell families: Whatever your financial situation, come, come on, we'll make it work."
There’s an affirmation that the students repeat at the school that he hopes sticks with them throughout their lives: "When I look in the mirror, what do I see? A beautiful somebody looking back at me."
"Like to me, at the end of the day, that's what's most important. Because I can enter any space. But if I don't step in, confident, with a healthy sense of self, I am not set up well to take advantage of whatever opportunities are there. I want our kids always to remember that they are worth it. And they're worthy. And they're good enough."
During Black History Month, KYW Newsradio’s GameChangers honors individuals or organizations that have made a significant, positive impact in communities of color in the greater Philadelphia region. View the 2024 honorees here.