Jacquelyn Y. Kelley Discovery Charter School
◆ ◆ ◆
Media Advisory
For Immediate Release — April 17, 2026
School Gala Celebrates Founder Who Sent Thousands of Parkside Students Overseas
Annual Event Honors the Late Jacquelyn Y. Kelley and Raises Funds for Student Learning Expeditions to International Destinations
Who
Families, educators, alumni, community leaders, philanthropists, stakeholders.
What
The Jacquelyn Y. Kelley Discovery Charter School will host its annual gala Saturday at 6 PM, a signature fundraising event honoring the legacy of the school’s late founder, Jacquelyn Y. Kelley, who would have celebrated her 72nd birthday this year. Proceeds from the evening will directly fund the school’s acclaimed expedition-based learning program, which has sent thousands of students from Philadelphia’s Parkside neighborhood to destinations across the globe.
When
Saturday, April 18, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where
Springfield Country Club
400 Sproul Road, Springfield, PA 19064
400 Sproul Road, Springfield, PA 19064
Why
Jacquelyn Y. Kelley founded Discovery Charter School in 2003 on a vision that said students from one of Philadelphia’s most under-resourced communities deserve to see the world. Under her leadership, thousands of Parkside students traveled to international destinations including Mexico, Germany, and Thailand — experiences that transformed their academic trajectories and broadened their horizons. In May, Discovery’s 5th-grade students will follow the Underground Railroad into Canada as they trace the steps of Harriet Tubman and explore history. Also in May, Discovery’s 8th Grade students will travel to Greece. Discovery’s annual galas help ensure that “Jackie’s” promise lives on by raising money so that no student is left behind due to financial hardships.
About the School
The Jacquelyn Y. Kelley Discovery Charter School serves students in Philadelphia’s Parkside community through a distinctive expedition-based learning model. Rooted in the belief that real-world experience is the most powerful classroom, the school integrates rigorous academics with domestic and international learning expeditions. Since its founding, the school has provided thousands of K-8 students with opportunities that might be otherwise out of reach.
Photo and interview opportunities will be available on-site.
Members of the media are encouraged to RSVP in advance.
###