About Us

Our Mission

The Office of Federal Programs mission is focused on federal grant program management and issues, with direct responsibility for managing the Title I Non-Public Programs function.  The Executive Director of Federal Programs works closely with internal and external federal program managers and coordinate activities with the other offices within GCFS to address program specific and federal cross-cutting policy and program issues, compliance in the first instance, and to define and develop program policy options for senior management.

Related to the federal Title I grant, the Office of Federal Programs oversees Title I as authorized by

the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as reauthorized by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB)(update and needs link)

which is the largest federal assistance program for public schools. Our mission is to support all schoolwide programs in Philadelphia schools to improve academic achievement.  We provide funding for professional development to support academic achievement and maintain a highly qualified staff.  In addition, the Office of Non-Public Programs within GCFS supervises the Title I programs in all private and Archdiocesan schools.

Our Goals

To provide general federal program guidance and support to ensure effective program management, compliance in the first instance, and to generate analysis, recommendations and options for senior management.
To submit applications to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for all federal grants and to provide the United States Department of Education (USDE), Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the Office of the City Controller with all required data to acquire and maintain the funding necessary to support the District’s education goals.
To provide technical assistance, analysis and interpretation of the governing regulations regarding federally funded programs.
To coordinate federal funds and services with the Office of Non-Public State and Federal Programs.
To provide support and assistance in helping schools with Title I and other federal budgets, school improvement planning, professional development and other issues which will help schools and students to achieve at high levels.
To increase parental involvement and parents’ capacity to increase their childrens’ academic achievement by sponsoring and encouraging attendance at workshops and conferences.