Educational disparities present significant challenges in North Philadelphia, but Dr. DaVonti' DeAngelo Haynes is making a profound impact at the heart of the community. As an assistant professor at Temple University's College of Public Health, Dr. Haynes is dedicated to empowering urban and rural youth through education, policy, and community collaboration. His work is centered on one core belief: sustainable change happens when institutions, local government, and community members work together to uplift the next generation.
Dr. Haynes's commitment to youth development is deeply rooted in his own experiences. Growing up in Detroit and Cleveland, his firsthand experiences ignited his passion for creating equitable opportunities for young people.
“My experience of being first-generation, the first and only in my family to attend college and earn a Ph.D., makes me think about the challenges I faced, but also the opportunities that came with it,” Dr. Haynes reflects. “I came from policy, then found my way to social work, and then to agriculture. For me, it's about bringing these three worlds together, all focused on community engagement and development.”
His time as a student showed him how higher education can transform both individuals and communities. “Institutions of higher education have a duty to support the communities they are in,” he says. Seeing the impact of education across different states reinforced his mission. “I know this work can make a difference. I’ve seen it in Ohio, in Nebraska, and now in Philadelphia.”
At Temple, Dr. Haynes has built partnerships with local schools, the City of Philadelphia, and community organizations to expand college access and workforce opportunities for youth. His approach prioritizes collaboration, ensuring programs align with students’ specific needs rather than imposing pre-formed initiatives. “It’s not just about saying, ‘This is the program we want to do,’” he explains. “It’s about asking, ‘Does this align with what your students actually need?’”
One notable initiative, The Group Chat, brings students together to discuss challenges and create solutions, fostering agency and leadership. His work goes beyond education, advocating for youth to be active participants in policymaking.
“There’s a lot of talk about what youth need, but too often, young people themselves are not at the table,” he emphasizes. “My goal is to ensure their voices are heard and that they have a role in shaping their own future.”
Understanding the importance of early exposure to higher education, Dr. Haynes organizes campus visits for middle and high school students. These visits go beyond traditional tours, immersing students in academic experiences and student-led organizations. By fostering mentorship between Temple students and visiting youth, he makes higher education more accessible, attainable, and visible.
“We know a college campus environment is completely different from a high school classroom,” Dr. Haynes explains. “It’s important that students see themselves here—not just in the classroom, but as part of the broader college community.”
A key component of his work is representation, ensuring students see individuals from their own backgrounds thriving in higher education. “You can’t be what you don’t see,” he notes. “Bringing in students from similar backgrounds helps them realize that college is within reach.”
Beyond direct engagement, Dr. Haynes advocates for policy reforms that support youth development. He pushes for young voices to be included in policy discussions, ensuring those affected by educational and workforce policies have a say in their formulation. His research informs systemic changes that promote equity and opportunity for all students.
Dr. Haynes also believes in the power of collaboration to address social inequities. “One approach is to let education, social work, and public health work separately—but then we’re only tackling part of the issue,” he explains. “If we collaborate, we can address more of the obstacles youth in these communities face.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Haynes aims to expand sustainable, high-impact programs at Temple while strengthening ties with the Philadelphia community. He is committed to empowering Temple students to engage with their surroundings, fostering civic responsibility and community involvement.
“When you become a student at Temple, you become part of the North Philadelphia community, whether you realize it or not,” he says. “It’s important that we teach students the value of civic engagement and giving back.”
He also stresses the need for long-term investment in community development. “These problems didn’t happen overnight, and we’re not going to change them overnight,” he says. “It requires long-term sustainability.”
"Dr. Haynes’s work reflects Temple’s commitment to uplifting the North Philadelphia community,” says Dean Jennifer Ibrahim. “By bridging education, policy, and local leadership, he ensures young people are heard and empowered to shape their futures, creating lasting change for generations to come.” Through his dedication to education and community collaboration, Dr. DaVonti' Haynes is not only transforming students' lives today but also building a foundation for a more inclusive and equitable future. His work exemplifies what it means to be a true Champion of Change at Temple University’s College of Public Health.