Institute for Colored Youth

The Institute for Colored Youth is a three-story brick building with Renaissance Revival details located at Ninth and Bainbridge Streets in Philadelphia. The structure displays the architectural character typical of mid-19th-century institutional buildings in the city.

A Quaker philanthropist named Richard Humphreys founded the school in 1837 to provide advanced education to Black students in Philadelphia. The institution grew and became recognized for developing programs that trained teachers and skilled workers from the Black community.

The school was a place where Black students gained confidence in their abilities and prepared for ambitious careers despite the barriers around them. Walking through such a building today reminds visitors of the determination it took to access quality education during that era.

The building stands on Bainbridge Street in the Bella Vista neighborhood and currently houses residential apartments, so visits are typically limited to viewing from outside. A bronze or stone marker placed by the Pennsylvania Historical Commission on the facade helps identify the site.

From 1869 to 1902, principal Fanny Jackson Coppin transformed the school into a leader in teacher training for Black communities. She combined traditional academic subjects with hands-on training in practical trades and crafts.

Location: Pennsylvania

Inception: 1837

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 39.94203,-75.15789

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:03