Boys & Girls Harbor serves youth between eighteen months and twenty-three years old, with 75% between six and seventeen years old. 56% are African-American, 35% are Latino, and 9% are of other heritage. We help approximately 2,500 children and their families overcome the educational and social obstacles surrounding poor and working-poor households. Most come from East Harlem, Central Harlem and the South Bronx, which, despite recent gentrification continue to be among the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in New York City. According to the report of the Children’s Committee for Children of New York 2005, the average economic and education deficits in these neighborhoods versus New York City as a whole are:

• Families below the poverty level who have children under 18 years old 44.77% vs. 27.10%
• Rate of adult unemployment 16.87% vs. 8.30%
• High school drop outs (16 – 19) 12.13% vs. 6.50%

• Education rich programs that provide the common knowledge needed to fully participate in mainstream culture;
• Preparation for success in academics, careers and in civic life; and
• Opportunities to bridge the chasm in academic achievement that separates them from their more affluent and resourced peers.