mission & vision

what is pcr?

Philadelphia City Rowing (“PCR”) is a privately funded non-profit organization founded in 2009 in response to the challenges facing youth in Philadelphia and began its first year of programming in the summer of 2010. Years of under-funding have resulted in many after-school activities, including sports teams, being cut. At the same time, Philadelphia high school dropout rates have remained among the highest in the nation, leaving many students “at-risk.” The founders of PCR sought to draw on the rich rowing history of Philadelphia and the proven power of sports to improve student academic achievement.

our mission

PCR creates a unique, comprehensive and free after-school enrichment experience for young people in the school district of Philadelphia by offering a mix of competitive rowing, academic mentorship, and wellness education. With an emphasis on reaching underserved communities, PCR strives to create an inclusive environment that helps all young people unlock their true potential and explore the possibilities of their future.

our vision

Together, we’re creating a diverse, equitable, and transformative environment for Philadelphia’s youth to define and build their future.

our values

we believe rowing should be…

diverse

We believe that learning to collaborate in a diverse team environment helps students explore their own strengths and deepen their connection to their community.

equitable

We believe all young people should have access to academic support, college and career exploration, and athletic opportunities, regardless of socioeconomic status.

transformative

We believe in the power of rowing to help teach the mental, physical, and social tools that each unique student needs to thrive, both on and off the water.

Our History

Philadelphia City Rowing (“PCR”) is a privately funded non-profit organization founded in 2009 in response to the challenges facing youth in Philadelphia. Dropout rates were high, academic outcomes were poor, and years of underfunding meant that many after-school activities, including sports teams, were cut. The founders of PCR sought to draw on the rich rowing history of Philadelphia and the proven power of sports to improve student academic achievement. Together with several outstanding volunteers from the community, PCR set out to provide meaningful out-of-school time experiences that could help set students on a path for long-term success and make it available to ALL regardless of ability to pay.

meet the pcr alumni: julianna

“You don’t need to be the best rower, but there’s so much that you can get out of being a part of a rowing team. Meeting other people from different schools. Meeting coaches who can help you with life in general. Rowing doesn’t need to be the only thing you’re getting out of this.”

– Julianna Rogers, PCR Class of 2020

Wawa Foundation Hero Award