Lafayette Square made a multi-million-dollar investment alongside partners Shift Capital ("Shift") and Voyage Investments ("Voyage") in a project that will facilitate the adaptive renovation of a formerly vacant warehouse for use by the El Centro de Estudiantes Big Picture Philadelphia School ("El Centro").
El Centro is operated by Big Picture Philadelphia, a nonprofit that offers real-world learning experiences, and empowers students to pursue their own pathways to success. Opened in 2008, it is one of Philadelphia's first accelerated school programs, helping Opportunity Youth (aged 16-21) who have disengaged from traditional education. Students earn diplomas in one and a half to three years, depending on prior credits. El Centro centers learning on students' interests, integrates career exploration and internships, and provides a supportive, resilience-focused environment with a restorative behavioral model.
"This commitment represents an investment in the future of El Centro, and by extension an investment in the future of Philadelphia," said Damien Dwin, founder & CEO of Lafayette Square. "At Lafayette Square, education plays a crucial role in driving community impact, yet too often alternative learning programs are overlooked and underserved. El Centro is well aligned with our mission to create better outcomes for working-class communities."
"We're proud to partner with Lafayette Square and Voyage Investments on this important project that aligns with our vision of sustainable development and community revitalization," said Brian Murray, CEO of Shift Capital. "El Centro's mission to provide educational opportunities for Philadelphia's youth is critical to the long-term health and vitality of the city's working-class neighborhoods. By reinvesting in underutilized spaces like this warehouse, we're not just creating a school, but a foundation for future success."
"We are incredibly grateful for the support of Lafayette Square, Shift Capital, and Voyage Investments," said Dr. Maria Gonzalez, Principal of El Centro. "This investment will allow us to expand our efforts to engage Opportunity Youth, providing them with the education, resources, and environment they need to thrive. Our students deserve spaces that reflect their potential, and this project brings us one step closer to realizing that vision."
Phase I of construction at the 3360 Frankford Avenue warehouse was completed in June 2024, and Lafayette Square's investment will support Phase II, beginning in Summer 2025. The project is expected to create 50 construction jobs, 20 permanent jobs, and enhance El Centro's job readiness and workforce training programs for 200 students each year.