Philadelphia education leaders face growing challenges in 2025.
By 2030, Pennsylvania government officials project a shortage of over 300,000 skilled workers statewide, highlighting an urgent workforce need in high-demand fields such as phlebotomy, IT, and healthcare.
Tacony Academy Charter School CEO Naimah Wimberly is leading a new initiative to address this shortfall by strengthening the talent pipeline with Philly youth, and opening doors to career opportunities.
Preparing students for in-demand careers
Tacony Academy, located in the 1300 block of Rhawn Street, is one of four American Paradigm Schools located in North and Northeast Philadelphia — joining First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School, Lindley Academy Charter School, and Memphis Street Academy. The mission of American Paradigm Schools is dedicated to equity and excellence for all learners while celebrating the uniqueness of its communities at each of its schools.
Founded in 2009, Tacony Academy is a K-12 charter school with approximately 1,075 students. The school focuses on a STEM curriculum around science, inventions, and innovation.
Wimberly — who prides herself on the academy’s pathway to success through instant transition into the workforce, trade schools, or attending a university — has recently launched the ‘Medical and Technical Skills Institute’ (MTSI) program to promote similar future success patterns.
The eight-week program aims to provide seniors with career-ready skills and nationally recognized certifications, in partnership with Vital Veins Phlebotomy. Its first offering will focus on a Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) course certified through the National Performance Specialist (NPS).
Wimberly says the program idea came from her experience as the founding principal of Tacony Academy.
“I was fortunate enough to watch the high school grow. As a charter school, we have the autonomy to focus on our vision and our mission the way we see fit,” she told Metro. “I was doing a lot of research and being hands-on, getting to know my scholars and what ignites their desires.”
This time allowed Wimberly to properly prepare for the institute’s rollout with newly formed partnerships designed to tap into students’ strengths and gifts.
“We want to make sure that after high school, our students aren’t only prepared to contribute to society, but to lead in our society,” she added.
Students will not only receive hands-on and online instruction, but will also be able to complete their certification onsite at Tacony. Certifications under future consideration include medical assistant, OSHA safety training, EKG technician, Adobe and Autodesk software, and ServSafe food safety.
The MTSI program also tackles additional preparation areas such as resume workshops, mock interviews, and social-emotional guidance.
A bridge between education and opportunity
Wimberly recalled a standout student from Tacony Academy who had earned a full academic scholarship to Holy Family University. While still in high school, the student was holding down a 30-hour-a-week job at a local pizza shop, Wimberly noted.
“Our opportunity for her is to gain a nationally recognized certification directly related to registered nursing, so she can work somewhere making a decent hourly wage while taking care of herself in pursuit of her four-year degree,” Wimberly said.
When addressing the high-demand talent shortages in Philadelphia, Wimberly says she wants the MTSI program to be viewed as a bridge between education and opportunity.
“I want to make sure that our students are equipped with practical and high-demand skills in healthcare and technology. I hope this program not only addresses the urgent workforce shortages in Pennsylvania but also inspires confidence, pride, and purpose in our students,” Wimberly said.
Tacony Academy will celebrate the graduation of its first cohort class on Aug. 2.
