Prep Alum Rick Krajewski (XXV) is Poised to Represent a New Philadelphia

A great leader embraces change and identifies areas that require change, whether that be within themselves, their peers, or the governing system. Rick Krajewski (XXV) is someone exhibiting those qualities who works to be part of the solution. “It’s showing up for people and really being in solidarity with a community that we care about and that I identify with,” said Rick in a recent interview with Current Affairs magazine, “but it’s also about ‘this is what leadership is.’” Pinned to the top of his Twitter page (@Rick4WestPhilly) is the statement: “We have a choice, do we accept what is broken or do we demand better?” Rick grew up in a working class, single parent household and has dedicated himself to representing marginalized voices. Among his policy platforms are calls for healthcare for all, criminal justice reform, and a Green New Deal for Pennsylvania.

Rick joined the Prep for Prep program in the early 2000s, attending Horace Mann before studying engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. At Penn, he founded the student group “Check One,” a space for multiracial students on campus. After graduating in 2013, Rick worked as a software engineer and volunteered to teach programming classes at Huey Elementary School before it was closed and replaced with a charter school. Rick began volunteering with Reclaim Philadelphia in 2016, eventually transitioning out of his engineering job to become a full-time organizer. 

After organizing for Larry Krusner’s successful campaign for Philadelphia’s District Attorney, Rick was moved to run for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 188. Rick won the Democratic primary in June and faces no challengers for the general election in November. He was endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders and Philadelphia City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier. Prep for Prep is proud of the leadership exhibited by Rick and his commitment to creating positive change in Philadelphia.