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Partnerships Critical to Academic & Opportunity Gaps
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Michael Johnson and HEAF Director Emeritus Maurice Sonnenberg, who was recognized at the HEAF Gala.
HEAF Founder & Chair Emeritus Dan Rose with HEAF students at the organization’s recent Gala
HEAF high school seniors and twins Justin and Jonathan are celebrated by the crowd as Justin says, "Standing in front of you on this stage are two college-bound young Black men who are beyond grateful for the experiences, opportunities, and lifelessons that HEAF has taught us.”
Partnerships are Critical to Addressing Academic and Opportunity Gaps
By Michael G. Johnson, President and CEO, Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF)
Fair and equitable opportunity for a solid academic experience should be the norm and it’s what we all expect. But it’s not what we all experience. Especially for Black and Brown students, for those from underserved communities, for those who are first in their families to consider college, the obstacles can be daunting if not sometimes impossible to overcome. Compound that with the challenges of a pandemic over the last two years —remote learning, the growing digital divide. It’s not a very encouraging picture.
After 25 years in economic development, corporate philanthropy, and government administration—this summer I assumed leadership of Harlem Educational Activities Fund, the nonprofit college access program that for more than thirty years has opened doors to college and meaningful careers for students from underserved communities across New York City.
I stepped into my role knowing that addressing academic and opportunity gaps for our young people is the right thing to do, and with the firm conviction that addressing inequities in education will raise us as a society—all of us, regardless of background or stature. Opening doors to opportunities for often-overlooked communities will flood talent pipelines with diversity, new ideas, and broader perspectives.
We all appreciate the progress we have seen in our lifetimes, and can point to stories of individuals who pulled themselves up “by their bootstraps” to become celebrated titans of industry. However, those stories are the exception, not the norm.
Our education system is not fair or balanced in this country, which means students do not have equal access to academic resources, or the same exposure to college and careers. We are failing our children across the board.
I’m sure by now everyone has seen the National
Chess has long been an aspect of HEAF’s programming that teaches students critical thinking and strategy development.
STEM classes are part of HEAF’s core curriculum and electives.
Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) report that showed the largest drop in math scores ever, and a nationwide plummet in reading that reversed thirty years of progress.
Low-performing fourth-grade students saw larger declines in both math and reading scores than high-performing students, and Black and Hispanic fourth graders had larger score drops in math than white students.
Zooming in on New Jersey, NAEP reported 38% of the state’s fourth graders were proficient in reading, and 39% were proficient in math. These numbers exceed national averages of 29% for reading and 35% for math, but also represent a significant drop compared to pre-pandemic scores. These numbers are daunting, but I know there is a road to success. I know there is a guaranteed way to make progress for all our nation’s students, and critically for those whose communities are disproportionately underserved. The answer is enrichment programs that partner with the public and private sectors to provide support for our students outside the classroom.
HEAF’s tuition-free program gives middle and high school students rigorous academic enrichment to complement and supplement the work they are doing in the classroom. We focus on personal development, encouraging students to find their voices and define their goals. We drive college prep and success, and with our corporate partners and volunteers, we provide career exposure and readiness.
Compared with the overall results in HEAF’s hometown of New York City, and compared with the national statistics, our students outperform on every metric.
Over 90% of HEAF students are people of color. Many
come from single-parent or single-income households; many qualify for free school lunch; 100% graduate on time, every single one of them. They’re accepted into colleges and universities across the country, and they succeed. Then, they return to HEAF to give back. What better measure of success is there than that? From my perspective, it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure each and every student has a fair chance and equal opportunity to be successful. And our founders, Dan and Joanna Rose, HEAF students build lifelong bonds. believed that as well. We celebrated HEAF’s roots in October at our annual gala, and honored Dan and the late Joanna for their overwhelming generosity and commitment to children who don’t have the privilege of access to resources that will propel their success. I encourage all communities to embrace the example set by Dan and Joanna Rose, to support programs that bridge academic and opportunity gaps, and make sure every student in this country has a chance to succeed.
HEAF classrooms are inviting and encouraging. Dialogue is key to growing ideas. HEAF staff are committed to HEAF’s mission and strive to engage and build relationships that encourage success
HARLEMEDUCATIONALACTIVITIESFUND
HEAF changes the lives of young people from underserved communities beginning in middle school and continuing in college and beyond through a youth development approach that includes rigorous year-round academic enrichment, social and cultural exposure and constant individual attention.
PROGRAMS 11-Year Continuum
Summer Quest
5-week summer experience for rising 6th-9th graders. Students study Math/ELA as well as a broad range of experiential electives of their choice.
High Expectations
Introduces middle school students to college preparation and exploration, preparing them for admission to NYC's top high schools.
College Quest
High-school students are prepared for college-level coursework, college tours/visits, and guidance through every step of the college, financial aid, and the scholarship application processes.
Onward
Onward serves as a support network for HEAF’s college graduates. We provide our college students with the continuing social, emotional, career, and community support to successfully make the transition to college and to complete their undergraduate studies. HEAF facilitates our participants’ college experience with gestures such as sending care packages, visiting students on campus amongst others.
