H.E.A.R.T. (Health, Education and Responsible Tools) completed Year 8 of its outreach program at 91st Street this summer! Run by 91st Street alumnae, the program helps children from East Harlem ages 9-13 develop lifelong habits and routines that promote health, self-esteem, and academic achievement.

In addition to field trips, children took classes such as ukulele, 3D printing, Ancient Mediterranean history, dance, swimming, and nutrition. The program culminated in an end-of-year performance on July 27, when students shared what they’d accomplished with an audience of 150 family members and friends.

The summer also marked the third successful year for H.E.A.R.T. Prep, an academic enrichment program for children ages 12 and 13.  This year marked the largest enrollment of both programs to date, with 58 participants and 30 volunteers.

“H.E.A.R.T. would not have been successful without the support of our school community,” said Michael Chung, Director of Community Outreach and Service Learning at 91st Street. He also expressed thanks to outside supporters Dr. Collins (Mt. Sinai Hospital), Dr. Esmond (Settlement Health), Ms. Miron and Ms. Gonzalez (Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health), and Ms. Folkens (Common Threads).

Over the past eight years, H.E.A.R.T. programs have enriched the lives of over 360 children from the East Harlem & Bronx community and provided educational leadership opportunities to 180 high school and college volunteers.