Nationwide — Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has donated $600,000 through his foundation to help install a new cooling system at Northeast High School in Philadelphia. The donation, announced during a surprise visit Tuesday, is the largest contribution his foundation has made so far. It comes as the city continues working to improve air conditioning across its schools.
He made the announcement in front of more than 1,000 students, teachers, and staff gathered in the school’s auditorium. He told the students that he understood the importance of having people support their goals and dreams. He also recalled growing up in the South, where hot weather was familiar, and said he was surprised when he learned that Philadelphia schools had canceled classes because they did not have air conditioning.
According to NBC Philadelphia, Hurts began addressing the issue through his “Keep It Cool” initiative in 2024. The effort has included helping schools get air conditioners, along with a pledge to donate $5,000 for every touchdown he scores. His latest contribution marks the foundation’s first major investment in the School District of Philadelphia’s cooling infrastructure and is intended to help Northeast High get a more complete system.
The need remains significant across the district. Superintendent Tony Watlington said the number of schools without air conditioning has fallen from 118 to 52. Philadelphia has 218 schools, and organizers said more than half still lack adequate cooling. The problem has also affected school schedules, with the 52 schools without air conditioning experiencing two heat-related disruptions during the current school year.
Northeast High, one of the largest schools in the city, has faced scheduling disruptions during extreme weather because of its inadequate HVAC system. Many older Philadelphia school buildings also have electrical limitations that make it harder to install modern cooling equipment. The $600,000 donation is expected to help the school address those challenges and provide more reliable cooling for students and staff.
Hurts already had a connection to Northeast High before making the donation. He has visited the school for events involving students, youth sports groups, and other community programs, including appearances with fellow athletes. His latest contribution now puts Northeast High at the center of his ongoing effort to help Philadelphia students stay in school and avoid class disruptions during periods of extreme heat.