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Harambee Institute of Science and Technology Charter School:
Our Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Harambee Institute exists to offer our community an education with a focus on the origins, current status, and future of the African world.

Our mission is to educate students to succeed as global citizens with a clear awareness of “who I am, where I am from, where I am going, and how I get there.”

Our vision is a collective and informed African American community utilizing science and technology as a means of promoting education for self-reliance, locally and globally.

Our core values are:

Greatness: Pursuit of excellence in all we do
Accountability: Owning what we do and who we are
Innovation: Open to new ideas with a growth mindset
Integrity: Honesty, transparency, and unity in all we do

The HBCU Tour Goes Down South!

A message from the CEO

ceo headshot

A message from the CEO

Honoring Women's History Month at Harambee Charter School

At Harambee Charter School, we are proud to celebrate Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history and in our own community.

Throughout this month, we reflect on the trailblazers who have shaped our society and continue to inspire future generations. From educators and activists to scientists and artists, women have played a vital role in breaking barriers and advancing equity. At Harambee, we are committed to fostering an environment where all students—especially young girls—see themselves as leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

This celebration is also a time to acknowledge the ongoing work needed to achieve gender equity. Women, particularly women of color, continue to face challenges in education, the workforce, and leadership opportunities. By teaching our students about these realities and the powerful movements that have pushed for change, we empower them to be advocates for fairness, inclusion, and justice in their own lives and communities.

We also take this opportunity to celebrate the incredible women in our own school community—our teachers, staff, students, and families—who contribute daily to the success of Harambee. Your dedication and perseverance help shape the next generation of leaders, and we are grateful for all that you do.

We encourage our students and families to engage in Women’s History Month by exploring stories of influential women, participating in classroom discussions, and celebrating the voices that have helped shape our world.

Let’s continue to uplift and empower one another, not just this month, but every day.

Baba Shannon
CEO

Education for Self-Reliance

Help us build something great. HISTCS teachers, staff, and advisory groups are working hard everyday to create a high-quality student experience. If you’re a parent, community leader, or part of a larger organization we urge you to sign up for one of our volunteer or sponsorship opportunities, or attend any of our upcoming events. Let’s pull together for our kids and our community!

Get Involved

Founded in 1972, HISTCS is Pennsylvania’s first African-centered charter school

Congrats to our basketball champions!

basketball player making a dunk player and opponent running down court player going for layup team gathered for photo holding up trophy player shooting while opponent blocks coach holding trophy cheerleading team

Featured Partners

big picture alliance
academy of natural sciences
stroud water research
clef club
free haven farms
natural lands
community college of philadelphia
jefferson einstein health
jefferson health 2
pic of sa-fee devoro smiling at camera

Please join me in celebrating Sa'Fee Devero. He is a finalist in Mayor Parker's Oratorical Contest. Yet another shining example of Harambee demonstrating our first core value of GREATNESS!!!