Apply Now

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

Dear Harambee Charter School Family,

As we step into 2025, I want to share my deepest gratitude for the collective spirit and dedication that make Harambee such a special place.

The past year was filled with milestones that demonstrated the strength of our community. Our students inspired us with their achievements in academics, the arts, athletics, and service. Our teachers and staff showed unwavering commitment to nurturing the potential within every learner. And our families and partners continued to stand by us, ensuring that Harambee remains a place of growth, joy, and opportunity.

As we look ahead to 2025, we do so with a renewed focus on our mission: to empower our students through an education that is culturally enriching, academically rigorous, and anchored in equity. This year, we will strengthen our programs, deepen our partnerships, and create even more pathways for success.

To our students: you are the reason we do this work, and your determination and brilliance inspire us every day. To our staff: thank you for your tireless efforts and belief in what’s possible. To our families and supporters: your trust fuels our vision, and together, we will achieve great things.

Harambee is a community built on the idea that we are strongest when we pull together. As we embrace the opportunities and challenges of the year ahead, let’s continue to work as one to create brighter futures for all.

Here’s to a year of growth, collaboration, and success!

With gratitude and optimism,
Gregory G 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