Academic Support & College Readiness

Philadelphia public high schools have only one guidance counselor for every 608 students, and many low-income families struggle to find the time and expertise to provide sufficient support for college-bound students at home. PCR is committed to filling this void for all our participants, by providing information, guidance, and support. 

PCR's College Readiness Program combines college counseling, SAT preparation, and essay writing, application submission and financial aid assistance to help set our student-athletes on a path for success. Our Academics Manager works closely with our high school students to keep them on a path toward their higher education goals. During junior and senior year, they work with the staff to make appropriate college selections, explore various career paths, and search for scholarship opportunities. 

We are proud to report our academic performance metrics have and continue to show that PCR participants outperform the District population in SAT scores, GPA, on-time graduation, and college acceptance. To date, 100% of our seniors have graduated on time and with plans to further their education or professional training. 

Nutrition Education & Healthy Habits

We believe healthy habits are the foundation of a full life. PCR continues to build on the success of our partnership with the Bridging the Gap Program, which places medical school students in community service positions. These volunteers work with PCR to develop a nutrition curriculum tailored to the needs of our students and meet with PCR student-athletes for workshops about health and nutrition strategies. PCR also has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Health Promotions Council to provide an approved curriculum and continue to battle the youth obesity epidemic. 

Environmental Education & Community Service

PCR is the proud recipient of a multi-year grant from the William Penn Foundation. This funding provides a unique opportunity for local students to connect and engage with the Schuylkill River watershed. For the last three years, we have offered an environmental education curriculum that encourages student-athletes to become stewards of their community. The program, which is the first of its kind on Boathouse Row, combines frequent exposure to the watershed with experiential education and service opportunities that allow student-athletes to work alongside mentors and volunteers on conservation projects such as cleanups and tree planting. Our rowers quite literally share their blood, sweat, and tears with the river such that it becomes a place worth protecting and sharing with future generations.