Jalen Hurts donates $600,000 for AC upgrades at Northeast High School

Jalen Hurts is putting his money where the city needs it most.

The Eagles quarterback announced a $600,000 donation from the Jalen Hurts Foundation on Tuesday to upgrade the HVAC system at Northeast High School in Rhawnhurst, one of 52 School District of Philadelphia buildings still without air conditioning. It’s the largest gift the foundation has made to date.

More than 1,000 students, teachers and staff packed the school’s auditorium for the announcement. Hurts surprised the crowd, taking the stage on a day when outdoor temperatures were mild but the room itself was still stuffy, a reminder of exactly why the donation matters.

Jalen Hurts has been tracking this issue for years

"I can imagine you guys would like ACs":

Northeast High School is getting a new HVAC system as part of an initiative from the Jalen Hurts Foundation to help keep Philadelphia schools cool.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts spoke at Northeast High School Tuesday morning as his… pic.twitter.com/qnteYF0w7R

— CBS Philadelphia (@CBSPhiladelphia) September 15, 2026

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Hurts said he first learned about the district’s AC problem three years ago through a TV segment. “Growing up in the South, I was very blown away about school being canceled not for snow, but for lack of AC,” he said.

That number has moved. Superintendent Tony Watlington said the district has cut the number of schools without air conditioning from 118 down to 52, crediting Hurts and Mayor Cherelle Parker for helping push the issue into the spotlight. “Because of your leadership, and Mayor Parker did,” Watlington said.

The district has already logged two heat-interrupted days this school year at schools still waiting on AC. Northeast High School won’t be one of them much longer.

On the field, Jalen Hurts is coming off a season-opening win

The donation came three days after Hurts threw three touchdowns and 203 yards in the Eagles‘ Week 1 win over the Commanders. He told students at the event, “I’ve been in your guys’ shoes and I know the importance of having support and having the backing to do and achieve whatever dreams that you have.”

Hurts and the Eagles are back on the field Sunday in Nashville against the Titans, but Tuesday’s stop in Rhawnhurst is the one that outlasts the season.