Opening Doors to Opportunity
For 36 years, the Harlem Educational Activities Fund has partnered with families, schools, community organizations and supporters to change the lives of young people from under-resourced New York City communities. HEAF’s high-impact college access program provides academic enrichment, personal development, college prep, and career exposure from middle school through high school and college.
%
of our students graduate from high school and are accepted to 4-year colleges
years changing the lives of young people
%
of our students earn bachelor degrees
Judy
Current HEAF Student
“HEAF will open doors for me to be able to have opportunities I might not have otherwise. At HEAF, I get to learn and make new friends. I am more comfortable within myself and around others because of HEAF.”
Sahara Gipson
HEAF Volunteer
Sahara was introduced to HEAF by a friend who recruited her to volunteer for a one-time resume and interview workshop with the students in Harlem. She’s been a consistent volunteer ever since!
Sahara helped coordinate a team of colleagues for ongoing career development classes as part of HEAF’s Industry Immersion program.
She says: “When we transitioned to remote work, having a consistent time each week to interact with a class of HEAF high school students was such a highlight for me; getting my colleagues involved has been even more meaningful. HEAF’s impact is powerful and I am proud to be a part of the growing community of volunteers. These students are the future!”
HEAF has a 36-year track record of delivering strong, permanent outcomes that exceed NYC and national averages.
100% of our students graduate high school on time — the 2019 average is 67% for African Americans and 64% for Hispanic students in Harlem.
Nearly 100% of our students enroll in four-year colleges immediately after graduating high school — in NYC 57% of students enroll in college or career programs within 6 months of graduation.
83% of our college students earn a bachelor’s degree within six years — nationally, the average is 37% for African American students and 42% for Hispanic students who are enrolled in private four-year colleges.
Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2025
Class of 2025 College Commitments
Cornell University
Franklin & Marshall College
Medgar Evers College (CUNY)
Morgan State University
Morgan State University
New York City College of Technology (CUNY)
New York University
Siena College
Skidmore College
State University of New York at Albany
State University of New York at Fredonia