Our Impact
What started as a movement to transform a single block has evolved into a model for breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty across Central Harlem — and the world.
Since the founding of Harlem Children’s Zone, the organization has scaled its pioneering place-based model to serve tens of thousands of scholars and families annually within a 100-plus block “Zone” in Central Harlem; closed the achievement gap at HCZ Promise Academy Charter Schools; and helped more than 1,800 scholars graduate from college, earn their degrees, and build bright futures.
HCZ’s impact is global. Through Practitioners Institute, the organization has partnered with over 600 organizations from across the United States and over 200 groups from 80-plus countries who seek guidance on how to replicate the HCZ model. Through William Julius Wilson Institute, HCZ has worked with community organizations in over 30 cities to strengthen place-based, cradle-to-career strategies and launch a National COVID-19 Response and Recovery Effort.
980+
HCZ scholars in college
1,800+
HCZ scholars have graduated college since FY11
7,600+
Participants in Healthy Harlem in FY24
7,900+
Graduates of The Baby College
600+
U.S. groups have visited Practitioners Institute
200+
International groups have visited Practitioners Institute