Spotlight On

Mission:
The Harlem Educational Activities Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization whose goal is to help Central Harlem and Washington Heights children from disadvantaged backgrounds develop the attitudes, skills, and values that will enable them to lead satisfying and productive lives. A comprehensive education and youth development organization, HEAF's goal is to assist college-bound students from educationally and economically disadvantaged communities in developing the intellectual and life skills required of tomorrow's global leaders.

History:
The Harlem Educational Activities Fund, Inc. was founded in 1989 through the generosity of the Daniel and Joanna S. Rose Fund to provide Harlem educators with the private resources and support to enhance school effectiveness and student outcomes.

In the early days, HEAF provided support to select public schools in Central Harlem in recognition that many inner-city schools required expanded educational resources. The resources provided by the HEAF programs were meant to assist students in overcoming barriers often described in educationally and economically challenged communities. The Readers Theater at P.S. 76, for example, provided instructional support and materials and helped the school create conditions for improvement. When the program began, only nine percent of the students were performing at or above grade level in reading, 11 percent in math. By the time the program was institutionalized, 48 percent of students were performing at or above grade level in reading, 53 percent in math. A similar spirit of innovation led to an effective, long-term partnership with the Mott Hall School, which resulted in support for students entering the city's specialized high schools and the creation of a world-class chess team, the Dark Knights. This team was funded and staffed for many years through the auspices of the Harlem Educational Activities Fund, Inc.

Current Programs:
The commitment to education of HEAF's Board of Directors has resulted in the creation of programs intended to help young people succeed in high school and college and go on to lead successful and productive lives. HEAF provides an extended program of educational and youth development support to educationally and economically disadvantaged students:

High Expectations - Middle School Program, an academic acceleration program, introduces students and families to a college preparatory process that begins in sixth grade. It reinforces basic skills where needed, and provides acceleration opportunities that encourage students to experience the joy of learning. HEAF seeks the overlooked bright student who tests on grade level (Level 3 and Level 4) and whose average is an 80% and above.

College Quest is the high school component of the HEAF program. It emphasizes academic achievement in high school and preparation for college, offering students the opportunity to attain (1) a consistently solid grade point average, (2) strong standardized test scores, (3) academic enrichment, (4) leadership positions, and (5) strong writing skills. Key components of program include partnerships with the Summer Institute for the Gifted, Hunter College, and Bronx Community College; summer seminars; a college preparatory process whereby students and their families identify and plan for entry into the country's most competitive colleges beginning in 9th grade; and mentoring, life skills training, and service learning.

Youth Development and Leadership provides the emotional, social and personal support every student requires to identify options and opportunities. HEAF staff seek to engage young peoples' strengths and provide them with the opportunity to gain the skills and attitudes necessary for healthy and productive adulthoods. The program concentrates on expanding creative capabilities, guiding and supporting academic development through high school, expanding civic potential, and promoting a life-long commitment to physical health and mental well-being, among other areas. The HEAF approach is youth-centered and respects a young person's values, assets, and personal and cultural identity.