Where College is the Rule
Reflections Annual Report | Harlem Educational Activities Fund
| 2013 - 15
A special message from our
Leadership
We are constantly reminded of the difference we are making in the lives of our students at HEAF. As we work to accomplish our goal of helping underserved students achieve success, we must continue our efforts to build increased visibility, innovation and sustainability. In doing so, we would like to take a moment to reflect on HEAF’s milestones, accomplishments and achievements together with the inspiring students, alumni, board members, staff and supporters who gave voice to this publication. Looking back, we remember the hundreds of HEAF graduates, their incredible drive to succeed and their outstanding contributions to society. We think about graduates like Awilda J., who returned to the New York City public school system as a teacher, or Felix R., who is now a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs, or Justin T., who is a software engineer at MTV. We could go on and on. Success stories like these would not be possible without the support of you and many other generous friends and partners, all of whom are heroes to our students and champions of HEAF’s mission and vision. We applaud your commitment and determination in helping our young, ambitious scholars reach their full potential. On behalf of HEAF’s students, staff and board of directors, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for helping us continue setting the standard for outcomes-driven educational programs for New York City’s future leaders and innovators.
John Jacobsson Co-Chair
Terrance Kyle Co-Chair
Daniel Rose Founder and Chairman Emeritus
Ruth Rathblott President and CEO
Our Impact HEAF was founded by Daniel and Joanna Rose in 1989 to fill a great societal need: increase literacy rates in one of Harlem’s lowest-performing elementary schools and give students opportunities for a better life by instilling in them a future-minded philosophy that includes high standards and higher education. Since then, HEAF has grown into a holistic model for solving New York City’s education crisis.
success 100% 100% A snapshot of our
of our students graduate from
83%
of our college students complete a bachelor’s degree within
of our students continue onto
high school
college
Fast Facts on HEAF’s
six years
senior class
$2,445,533
earned in merit-based scholarships
56%
are attending colleges in
New York
19%
19%
are attending colleges in the New
England or Mid-Atlantic regions
are attending colleges in the
South
6%
are attending colleges in the Midwest or on the West
Coast
O V E R A L L STUDENT DEM OG RA PHICS
Overall student
487
active students in grade 6 through college
demographics 40% 60%
Male Female
69% 27% 4%
African-American Hispanic Other
HEAF REFLECTIONS: H I G H
Georgina
E X P E C T A T I O N S
Our High Expectations middle school program integrates academic enrichment and experiential learning that prepares students for acceptance into New York City’s most competitive high schools. This past summer, Georgina particated in Summer Quest, HEAF’s middle school summer program for the first time. Excited about the road ahead, she plans to continue her HEAF journey through college and beyond.
Georgina’s First Summer Quest “It’s so hard to pick a favorite Summer Quest class! I loved them all! I took Youth Development, Math, ELA and French. In ELA, my teacher really pushed me to achieve a lot. But if I had to pick one favorite, it would be Youth Development. We did a lot of activities that taught us more about ourselves and the community. Youth Development helped us get to know each other better. In French class, we went to the Metropolitan Museum and saw lots of French art. I also went to a French restaraunt and had my first savory crêpe!”
Self Discovery “HEAF made me want to learn more about myself. I’m learning that it’s good to interact with others and to be involved in the community. HEAF is getting me ready for school because we are learning higher level math and ELA. Now I know that HEAF is going to prepare me for high school and college.”
“
If I could describe HEAF in one word, it would be outstanding!
”
-Georgina
HEAF REFLECTIONS: C O L L E G E
Q U E S T
Mark
Our College Quest program helps students in grades 9-11 excel academically while developing the special talents and leadership skills that interest colleges and universities. Mark is in the midst of his junior year of high school. As he prepares to dazzle admissions officers, he reflects on his most impactful HEAF experiences.
Academic Boot Camp “I loved the retreat at Connecticut College. I remember wearing t-shirts with an army fatigue pattern. The experience really conditioned me for high school, and I also I got so much closer to my HEAF family. I developed bonds and friendships that I hope will last forever. It was a week of college life. We lived in a dorm and took college-level classes. I figured if I can make it through this, I can definitely make it through high school!”
Mark’s Most Memorable Moment
“I spoke at the World Trade Center last year, and it was the most fun I’ve ever had in my life. I met Bill Nye the Science Guy and Neil deGrasse Tyson! I remember talking to them about how HEAF is like a second family to me.”
“
There are so many opportunities at HEAF. I want to stay involved even after I graduate!
”
-Mark
HEAF REFLECTIONS: Cecil O N W A R D
F O C U S
Our Onward College Support program provides social, emotional, career and community support to our high school seniors and college students. We recently caught up with Cecil, who is currently a junior at Colby College. Cecil, who is majoring in Philosophy and Latin American studies, shares how his HEAF experiences led to the discovery of his college and personal interests.
Learning for Social Impact “A lot of people don’t get a chance to leave the continent until 30 if at all. Visiting Botswana and Belize kindled my interest in indigenous affairs. These trips helped shape my academic interests and my personal journey. While in Belize, I toured the rainforest with Mayan residents, looked at traditional practices in medicine and learned a great deal about the culture. Also, I made friends in Botswana that I’m still connected with today.”
Life Lessons “The staff at HEAF taught me a lot of little lessons. A few that stuck with me are: Always carry a pen Always be reliable Don’t commit to anything you can’t take care of immediately Don’t circle the plane, meaning be concise with your point
“
Programs like HEAF can mean the difference between feeling supported and feeling alone.
”
-Cecil
HEAF REFLECTIONS: H E A F
A L U M N I
Ileana
Ileana began her HEAF education as a middle schooler in 1994. Her contributions to HEAF’s studentproduced newsletter introduced her to what she wanted to do for a living—writing and content creation. Now, over 20 years later, Ileana still works in the content creation field. Today, she develops and manages targeted marketing campaigns for original series, films and documentaries at HBO.
College Tours
“I’m a first-generation college graduate and wasn’t able to rely on the experiences of my parents to help inform my college decision. I wasn’t familiar with what living on campus would be like, the expectations my college professors would set for me and how to develop my own expectations for my college career and experiences. College tours with HEAF helped introduce all of those topics and HEAF was instrumental in relieving some of the anxieties related to embarking on a college search.”
The Power of Mentorship “During high school HEAF paired me with a mentor, Jenifer Steig. Having Jenifer as a mentor helped show me a world within New York City I hadn’t yet been exposed to. We spent a lot of time going to museum exhibits, walking around Central Park or just meeting at a coffee shop to talk. All of those experiences were very impactful. She’s someone I’m still in touch with today and I value her friendship and the contributions she made in helping shape who I am today.”
“
HEAF taught me to use my resources to help achieve my goals.
”
-Ileana
“
The value of college education is under attack in some quarters. Not at HEAF. The HEAF curriculum prepares students to be confident, high-achieving college students, who later become successful employees and graduate students.
” “ -Alexandra Alger
HEAF Board Member
We have dedicated over 25 years to New York City’s brightest, most motivated young people and we are proud to share the memories of some of HEAF’s greatest board members, corporate partners, donors, volunteers, staff and supporters.
“
A HEAF student once told me that if not for HEAF she wouldn't be considering college. It was at that moment I was reminded why college access and success work is so crucial for students in our community. -Sully Diaz HEAF Staff
In 2011, I was looking for a charity to support via Bloomberg’s Dollars for Your Hours program. I was impressed by the fact that 100% of HEAF’s students go to college and that the kids had the opportunity to do service in other countries. I’ve been involved ever since.
”
-Jean Romulus HEAF Junior Board Chair
Success through Collaboration HEAF Junior Board
HEAF’s Junior Board of Directors is a group of young professionals who are dedicated to raising funds for the benefit of our students. This dynamic group of young professionals span a range of professions and career backgrounds but share one passion: empowering and supporting HEAF’s students. This year, the Junior Board hosted HEAF’s first annual Strikes, Spares and Splits event—a night of bowling to benefit our students. Also, in partnership with HEAF’s Alumni Committee, the Junior Board organizated a highly successful Holiday Soiree.
Two star-studded affairs with
Neil deGrasse Tyson With the support of Silverstein Properties, we hosted two successful events at the World Trade Center helped raise visibility and critical funds for HEAF. The first event, Jazz in the Sky, was held in May 2014 and was a smashing success! In March 2015, astrophysicist and HEAF Board Member Neil deGrasse Tyson hosted An Evening Under the Stars where he dazzled guests with an astronomically amazing evening explaining the mysteries and wonders of the universe.
College Decision Day For the third consecutive year in 2015, we hosted our signature National College Decision Day draft event in partnership with Citi and ten fellow New York City college access and success programs. Our 2015 event was attended by nearly 300 guests and celebrated the achievements of our college-bound graduating high school senior class.
HEAF Highlights: 2013 -15 Renovation &
Program Expansion This year, we prepared a total of 487 young people for college and career success—but that’s not all! Among other initiatives, we added many new program services, grew our Brooklyn program, and renovated our space in Harlem, which will allow us to work with even more students, engage the community and become more innovative with our programs. HEAF @ Brooklyn grew to serve more than 60 students.
College Tours
Our students visited an array of colleges and universities to determine their best fit schools and get acquainted with life on campus. We visited an impressive range of colleges, including Columbia University, New York University, Vassar College, Georgetown University, Howard University, Yale University, Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania, Trinity College, Rutgers University and many others!
STEM Education
HEAF at NYU Poly Our high school robotics team competed in the FIRST Tech Challenge! Our amazing team was coached by Justin Tindley, one of HEAF’s most active alumni. The team, known as the HEAFinators, won awards for outstanding teamwork and ability to tackle challenges.
HEAF’s middle school students received early exposure to STEM education and careers in our popular Science of Smart Cities class. In this fun, hands-on course, students learned how to build an environmentally smart and sound city. Girls Who Code Diversity in STEM matters! We partnered with Girls Who Code to provide coding instruction and tech industry exposure to our female high school students.
HEAF Highlights: 2013 - 15 Learning for Social Impact More than 40 HEAF students participated in our Learning for Social Impact (LSI) program, which introduces students to the history, demographics and cultural influences of another region in preparation for an exciting service learning trip. In 2015 and 2014, our students traveled to Detroit, Michigan, and Stockholm, Sweden, where they volunteered and met with key stakeholders in the community.
Cultural Literacy Our new Cultural Literacy program, funded by the MetLife Foundation and Time Warner, provides a unique cultural experience to broaden our students’ worldview and cultural horizon. In this exciting class, students were exposed to a variety of art forms including performing arts, fine arts and culinary arts. Our high schoolers were thrilled to experience everything from gallery exhibits and dance performances to ethnic cuisines to the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway!
Summer Quest
Our Partners HONOR’S CIRCLE $75,000 and above
MERIT CIRCLE $10,000 - $24,999
ACHIEVEMENT SPONSORS $5,000 - $9,999
Alexandra Alger Altman Foundation Bloomberg, LP Capital One Charles Hayden Foundation Eugene & Emily Grant Family Foundation John Jacobsson News Corporation Pinkerton Foundation Daniel and Joanna Rose Teagle Foundation Theodore Luce Charitable Trust George Wallerstein Arshad and Ann Zakaria
Hilary Alger Joel D. Aron Baobab Fund Jay and Valerie Brown Joseph W. Brown Citigroup Columbia Community Service John P. and Constance A. Curran Charitable Foundation Councilwoman Inez Dickens/DYCD Alvin Dworman Barbara J. Fife Fordham Street Foundation Fox Rothschild LLP Frankfurt, Kurnit, Klein & Selz GenNx360 Capital Partners Yann Geron, Esq. Beth Gordon Gail R. Gremse and David S. Rose Hyde & Watson Foundation Jeffrey and Lou Anne King Jensen Mr. and Mrs. Paul Tudor Jones II Zachary Karabell and Nicole Alger Joel Klein Jonathan and Tiffany Knipe Charles Kushner Warren B. and Kathleen Corkins Lammert Joseph S. Lesser Jeff Livingston M&T Bank Karla Maloof Marc Haas Foundation Brett McCollough Liz and David McCreery Victor and Tara Menezes MetLife Foundation Morgan Stanley Donald E. and Susan Newhouse Nikos S. Kefalidis Foundation Timothy O'Connor Alison Overseth and Ken de Regt Marc & Margot Pinto The Price Family Foundation Maria Rodriguez Frederick P. and Sandra P. Rose S&L Marx Foundation Bernard L. Schwartz Benjamin K. Semel Daniel Semel Steve and Leslie Shapiro Christopher Shipman Silverstein Properties Calvin Gene Sims Sony Corporation of America State of New York, Department of Health Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Time Warner Neil deGrasse Tyson
Scott Asen, The Asen Foundation Barker Welfare Foundation Best Buy Foundation Amy Binder Deborah and George Bingham Arthur C. Chang and Allison L. Thrush Donald P. Cogsville Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York Consolidated Edison Cushman & Wakefield Kim G. and Judith N. Davis Jeffrey N. Edwards FIRST Fred Alger Management Richard Gilder Jonathan P. "Jon" Gill Goldman, Sachs & Co. Vartan and Clare R. Gregorian William W. and Daisy Helman Patricia Jeffers John L. Loeb Jr. Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Donald M. Kendall Jerome P. and Carol B. Kenney Kronhill Pletka Foundation Laura B. Vogler Foundation Morris Mansfield Emily Rose and James H. Marrow David J. Matlin Sanjeev and Karen Petersen Mehra James Rupert Murdoch Richard H. Neiman Peggy & Millard Drexler Family Foundation Popular Community Bank Foundation Rida Realty Investments Corporation Robert K. Steel Family Foundation Aaron Rose Dr. and Mrs. Richard Rubens Rudin Foundation William and Elizabeth H. Sandholm Peter R Schoels Sean Scott, M.D. Larry A. Silverstein Charles Stanley Stephen and Allison Sullens Wayne J. D. Teetsel Time Warner Cable Robb and Elizabeth Tretter Barry Wittlin
EXCELLENCE CIRCLE $25,000 - $74,999 Achelis & Bodman Foundation Frances and Benjamin Benenson Sheri E. Berman BTIG Buckeye Foundation Marco Caffuzzi, Esq. Carnegie Corporation of New York Chisholm Foundation Citi John K. Collins Marta Cotton E*Trade Financial Epstein Teicher Philanthropies Fairfield County Community Foundation Foot Locker Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Lawrence Guffey Helen Y. Hayes HBO Heckscher Foundation for Children Intercultural Educational Fund Alexandra D. Korry Jeff and Leah Kronthal Terrance J. Kyle Richard J. Mack The MacMillan Family Foundation Mayor's Fund To Advance New York City Philanthropic Support Fund Rosalind & Eugene J. Glaser Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Elihu Rose Gideon G. Rose Rose Marrow Fund Samuel l. Newhouse Foundation Savills Studley Shelton Y. and Cathy Swei TD Charitable Foundation Vanguard Charitable Endowment Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz West Harlem Development Corporation
SCHOLASTIC SPONSORS $1,000 - $4,999 7X24 Exchange Inc Alan Alda Allison Allen American Express Foundation Employee Giving Program Sahily Antiles-Carrasco Robert H. Arnow Arthur Dubow Foundation Michael L. Ashner Ashner Family Evergreen Foundation Ashwini & Anita Gupta Foundation Peter Babej Averill Babson Leslie E. Bains Michael Balmuth Bank of America Charitable Foundation Bryan Cave LLP Julia Bator and Charles S. Duggan Roger Blane Thomas Block Roy J. Bostock Jon Brayshaw Alan Brout Philip and Imoeene Butterfield Lisa Cader Pamela Cantor Michael Carroll Arthur and Linda Carter Catalyst Investors Samuel R. Chapin Sunny Cheung Janet Christopher Peter J. Cocoziello Peter Collery Ronald Creamer and Anika Rahma The David and Felice Silk Charitable Fund Catherine del Tito Robert and Mary Ann Downes Elysia and Jonathan Doyle The Dozoretz Family Foundation Kamilah C. Duggins Mardi and David Durkin Viviane Eisenberg Eric and Laurie Roth Charitable Fund ESD HCDC Manhatville PR FD John and Susan Estes Stephen Farber Jennifer Feldsher Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund First Sterling Corporation First Student Francis Greenburger Charitable Fund Charlotte K. Frank Joele Frank Catherine Frey Bruce Gelb Adam C. Gibbons Victoria and Lloyd Goldman David S. Gottesman Greenberg Traurig, LLP Eli Gross Giri Gururaja Phil Handy Ted Hartley and Dina Merrill Ben Heller
Michael Heller and Debora Cahn Henry E. Niles Foundation Gerald D. Hines Tarazeta TJ Huntley Jill and Jerry Hutlin Timothy J. Ingrassia J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP Jacki and Joe Kelly Fern June Khan Robert Kindler John Klingenstein Laurence Klurfeld L&L Holding Company, LLC Sharon La Cruise Aidan Lanigan Laurel Cutler Charitable Found Judi Lent-Manning Andrew and Michelle Levine Levitt Foundation John N. Lieber Erik D. and Lisa D. Lindauer Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Lindsey Leonard Litwin Litwin Foundation Longhill Charitable Foundation Lost and Foundation Eugene and Dr. Carol Ludwig Vincent A. Mai Esther Malamud Barbara B. and J. Robert Mann, Jr. Mara Anne W. Manus Joy Marcus and David Rosenberg Mr. and Mrs. James C. Marlas Massey Knakal Charitable Foundation The Matlin Family Foundation Maximus Foundation Robert B. Mazur, Esq. James McCartney Darren McGregor Mary Patterson McPherson Keith Meister Joseph P. and Katherine N. Mele Richard Menschel Morgan Stanley Annual Appeal Campaign K.C. and Diane Murphy Michael Nash Network For Good Joseph Nye Jr. Office Depot Foundation Andrew S. Paul David B. Pearce, M.D. James Perez Elizabeth Philipp Phoebe Snow Foundation Gloria M. Plaks The Pohly Turaj Family Foundation Tania Pouschine and Richard Strother Gen. Colin L. Powell (RET.) George B. Price Jennifer J. Raab, Esq. Catherine and William Rahm Resnick Family Foundation Damian Ridealgh David Ringer Robert and Ardis James Foundation Julio Rojas
Jonathan F.P. Rose Gary Rosen and Leslie Kaufman Eric M. Roth, Esq. Frank Savage Robert B. Schumer David Schwartz Mal Schwartz Nell Kincaid Semel Lauren Sharfman Amy and Jeffrey Silverman James Simmons Neal Simon Reed Smith Stephen Smyth Angela S. Somers and Jeffrey E. Gross Maurice Sonnenberg Sy Sternberg STS Foundation David and Emma Sugarman Judith M. and Michael D. Sullivan Susan A. & Donald P. Babson Charitable Foundation Macauley and Kim Taylor Franklin A. Thomas and Kate R. Whitney Erika Thomas-Yuille David and Lisa Tillinghast Timecast Designs, LLC United Way of New York City Wechsler Foundation Deborah Weisman Bonny Whitcher Douglas H. Wigdor, Esq. Wolfensohn Family Foundation Sheena Wright Daniel Wurwarg
For full list of donors, visit our donor roll at donors.heaf.org
OFFICERS Founder and Chairman Daniel Rose Chairman, Rose Associates Co-Chairs John Jacobsson Executive Vice President, Related Companies Terrance Kyle Douglas Elliman Real Estate Secretary Sheri Berman, Ph.D. Professor of Political Science, Barnard College Treasurer Karla Maloof Head of Insurance, Corporate Banking Barclays President and CEO Ruth Rathblott
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Alexandra Alger John K. Collins Managing Director & Global COO Morgan Stanley Marta Cotton Principal, Director of Client Development Matarin Capital Management Justina Foggie Manager of Corps Culture & Communications Teach for America Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Ph.D. W.E.B. DuBois Professor of Humanities Harvard University Giri Gururaja Vice President MetLife Woody Heller Executive Managing Director Savills Studley
Jonathan W. Knipe Senior Vice President & General Counsel Silverstein Properties Alexandra D. Korry Partner Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Jeff Livingston Senior Vice President McGraw-Hill Education Brett McCollough Manager of IT Operations Bloomberg LP
Joanna S. Rose Daniel & Joanna S. Rose Fund Benjamin K. Semel Partner Pryor Cashman LLP Chris Shipman Partner, Co-Founder Catalyst Investors Calvin Sims President International House
Richard Neiman Head of Regulatory & Government Affairs Lending Club
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ph.D. Astrophysicist/Frederick P. Rose Director, Hayden Planetarium American Museum of Natural History
Robin Panovka Partner Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
Deborah D. Weisman Managing Director Citigroup
Maria Rodriguez Section Manager, Performance & Operational Engineering, Consolidated Edison
ADVISORY BOARD
Fern J. Khan Bank Street College of Education (Ret.)
HEAF 2090 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd, 10th Floor New York, NY 10027
Yann Geron Partner Fox Rothschild LLP
212-663-9732
www.heaf.org