Mahlayah wearing - site director at the joseph pennell school
Hello Pennell Students and Families,
My name is Mahlayah Wearing and I was born and raised here in Philadelphia. My passion for working with kids began with volunteering in several schools before I got my certifications. I believe that if you want something, you put your best foot forward, dedicate yourself, have faith and teamwork will always make the dream work.
For any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me at mahlayah.wearing@legacyyte.org
Summer Camp registration is now open!
LEGACY Champions on the Rise Summer Camp is back for 6 weeks in 2026! Camp runs from June 22nd – July 31st and includes a free breakfast lunch and snack!
Champions on the Rise students will spend the summer doing educational activities to combat summer slide, art and tennis activities to stay active and engaged, and field trips to create new experiences and memories!
What do we do at champions on the rise?
TENNIS!
While there are many OST providers, LEGACY is the only Sports Based Youth Development program in the country! We believe in the power of tennis to not only keep the body active but to help our students learn how to develop interpersonal relationships, manage their emotions, learn something new and build good character!
Tennis at McClure Elementary is led by our Director of Community Tennis, Chris Atienza, along with coach Hashaan Freeman.
Science, technology, engineering and math!
Our staff along with program partners help our students learn science and math concepts through engaging hands-on activities! Students may create slime, rockets, chain reactions or anything else they can think of!
Creative and performing arts
Developing artistic and personal expression is incredibly important to our students lives. Through program partners, clubs and daily activities, students use art to express themselves, learn new things and connect with other students.
LEGACY also brings in program partners like Juan Cruz, a local dance instructor, to teach our students the power of dance, Hispanic culture and playing new instruments!
Literacy
Literacy is a key indicator of a students future success. During programming, students work on their reading and writing through a myriad of activities including partnering students with Philadelphia Reading Coaches.
Philadelphia Reading Coaches come in afterschool and meet with students one on one to help them develop their reading and reading comprehension skills.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social Emotional Learning plays a vital role in our programming deliverables. SEL activities may including reading new books or stories and discussing how they make the students feel or how they connect with the work.
Our great team of Supportive Services Coordinator may also do SEL activities with students one on one.
Homework Time
During programming, students are given time to complete their homework. With incentives and additional assistance, we try to help every student get their homework done before they even get home!
Field trips!
Throughout the year and especially during our Extended Year Camps, our students take field trips all across the city. In the past, students have gone ice skating, bowling, to the zoo, to the arcade and more!
Field trips are a great opportunity for our students to gain experiences outside of the classroom that they may not have been able to have otherwise.
EXTENDED DAY / EXTENDED YEAR
Through the City of Philadelphia’s Extended Day/Extended Year initiative, along with after school programming, LEGACY is able to provide free, quality care and enrichment before school, during winter and spring breaks as well as for six weeks in the summer.

Before-school care
Registration Open - Click the photo to register!

Winter Break Camp
Registration closed for 2025 - Stay tuned for 2026!

Spring break camp
REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW! Click the photo to register!

Summer Break Camp
Registration for 2026 coming soon!
