Somerset Academy Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the early childhood education community with the financial stability and programmatic expertise needed to serve every child. We are committed to closing the resource gap for children with special needs, ensuring an inclusive environment that fosters school readiness for all children and a lifelong love of learning.
Community workshops addressing gun violence through creativity.
Arts programs supporting at-risk youth against violence.
Community empowerment through partnerships and development.
Excellence in early childhood education opportunities.
“Empowering Children and Communities for a Brighter Tomorrow”
is dedicated to supporting the development of child-centered, individualized, and developmentally appropriate educational programs. Our mission extends to children of all ages, their families, and the wider community. We believe in fostering environments that ignite curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning, underpinned by our core values of inclusion, diversity, and respect.
Our vision centers on creating a child-focused environment where respectful and nurturing interactions ensure every child feels valued and understood.
Somerset Academy Inc. is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization founded by Barbara Chavous-Pennock. We serve children, families, and communities through innovative programming that addresses gun violence, workforce readiness, and special needs advocacy. Our approach is nationally recognized for its creative use of technology and state-of-the-art data analytics to drive real, lasting change.
Barbara Chavous-Pennock—Founder, Somerset Academy Inc.
Barbara Chavous-Pennock is the founder of Somerset Academy, Inc. and a lifelong advocate for early childhood education, community health, and special needs support. Her vision of an equitable, empowering community continues to guide every program and partnership we undertake. Barbara also serves as a principal of Somerset Academy Early Learning Center, Inc., which operates independently as a for-profit entity. Visit the SAELC website to learn more about the Early Learning Center.
Founder
Emphasizing respectful and nurturing interactions to ensure each child feels valued and understood.
Commitment to creating welcoming, diverse programs that celebrate every family’s uniqueness.
Providing comprehensive support on child development, communication, and family engagement.
Our Programs
Somerset Academy Inc. channels every resource toward a singular mission: empowering children, families, and communities. Our programs address the most pressing challenges facing Philadelphia—from gun violence and poverty to educational inequity and workforce barriers. Below are the initiatives at the heart of our work.
Here is what you need to know about who we are, what we do, and why it matters.
Somerset Academy Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, PA. We work to empower the early childhood education community, close the resource gap for children with special needs, and build pathways out of poverty for youth and families through innovative programming, workforce development, and community engagement initiatives.
Somerset Academy Inc. is nationally recognized for its innovative approach to addressing gun violence. Our flagship programs—Funk Not Fight and Philly B.E.A.T.S.—use arts, culture, and community connection to interrupt cycles of violence. What makes our approach distinctive is the integration of technology and state-of-the-art data analytics that allow us to measure outcomes in real time and continuously improve program delivery. We address gun violence not just as a safety issue, but as a public health and economic justice challenge.
Operation Peace is our workforce development initiative designed to prevent violence by creating real economic opportunity. Through industry-certified training in construction, logistics, forklift operations, and drone technology, we equip at-risk youth with credentials that lead to sustainable careers. Operation Peace treats poverty and hopelessness as root causes of community violence—and addresses them directly.
No. Somerset Academy Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Somerset Academy Early Learning Center (SAELC) is a separate, independent for-profit entity. Both were founded by Barbara Chavous-Pennock, who remains a principal of both organizations. SAELC is led by CEO Tiffany Chavous and operates with its own board, finances, and corporate structure. For information about SAELC’s early childhood programs, please visit the SAELC website directly.
Somerset Academy Inc. was founded by Barbara Chavous-Pennock, a lifelong advocate for early childhood education, special needs inclusion, and community empowerment. Barbara’s vision of equitable, innovative programming continues to drive every initiative we undertake.
Somerset Academy Inc. is led by its founder, Barbara Chavous-Pennock. Somerset Academy Early Learning Center (SAELC), our independent for-profit early learning partner, is led by CEO Tiffany Chavous.
Technology is central to how we work. Our programs leverage state-of-the-art data analytics to measure participant outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate impact to our partners and funders. Operation Peace includes drone technology training in partnership with Goddess of Drones, giving participants access to one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. We believe that technology, properly applied, is a powerful equalizer.
We are proud to collaborate with a wide range of partners across the public, private, and academic sectors. Our partners include OIC, SSSPAP, the School District of Philadelphia, ABHMS, Victims Services, the City of Philadelphia, Temple University, Alvernia University, West Chester University, Queen of Drones, DVR, BBC, OKN, Orleans Technology College, the Strong Families Commission, the Institute for the Advancement of Working Families Inc., Commonwealth Citizens Council Inc., the Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, PCCD, Inner City Capital Connections, ICIC of Harvard University, and SCORE.
You can support our mission by donating, partnering with us, or joining one of our programs. Contact us at (267) 639-9664 or through our website to learn more.
Creative Expressions for Peace: How FUNK NOT FIGHT is Redefining Community Engagement
Uniting Philadelphia Against Gun Violence: The Impact of FUNK NOT FIGHT
Overview: Somerset Academy Early Learning Center – Nurturing the Next Generation
Discover the transformative experiences and heartfelt testimonials of our clients, reflecting the profound impact Somerset Academy Inc has had on families, communities, and individuals.
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