Eagles QB Jalen Hurts Donates $600K for AC at Philadelphia High School
Key Facts
- Jalen Hurts donated $600,000 to install air conditioning at Northeast High School, with the project completing in the 2027-2028 school year.
- More than half of Philadelphia schools currently lack adequate cooling, highlighting the importance of Hurts' ongoing support.
- This effort underscores the broader community impact of investing in reliable HVAC systems in educational facilities.
PHILADELPHIA — Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts keeps it cool on and off the playing field. Since 2024, he's helped keep the School District of Philadelphia students cool through his "Keep It Cool" initiative by providing air conditioning units to improve learning environments.
On Sept. 15, NBC Philadelphia reported that Hurts and his Jalen Hurts Foundation unveiled the foundation's largest donation to date: $600,000 to provide a new air conditioning system for Northeast High School, located along Cottman Avenue in Northeast Philly.
"I believe every child deserves a nurturing environment to thrive in," Hurts said in a statement on the foundation's website. "Philadelphia has given me so much, and I'm excited to give back to the community in a way that empowers our future leaders. By ensuring our schools are equipped with essential resources like air conditioning, we're making strides to enable our students to reach their full potential.”
The air conditioning system is expected to be complete for the 2027-28 school year. According to a news release about the announcement, more than half of the School District of Philadelphia's schools lack adequate cooling systems.
Oz Hill, COO of the School District of Philadelphia, highlighted the profound impact of Jalen's donation on addressing the pressing need for climate-controlled educational facilities. "With The Jalen Hurts Foundation’s support, we're directly addressing the critical need for comfortable learning spaces in schools, especially during warmer months. This initiative encourages student attendance, enhances academic performance, and sets the stage for future upgrades across the District.”
Hurts previously donated $200,000 for more than 300 air-conditioning units at 10 other schools in the district, according to the foundation website.
The charitable donation highlights the ongoing need to upgrade aging HVAC systems in existing educational facilities. School HVAC projects can create opportunities for contractors to support indoor comfort and building improvements, while also demonstrating the broader community impact of reliable heating and cooling infrastructure.