named programs · 1 · from sources
What they call their work
City Smart Scholars Program
Year-round academic enrichment program for grades 5–8 that includes math problem-solving, writing workshops, SHSAT and Hunter High School test prep, near-peer mentoring, and electives. Program runs on weekends and summers in East Harlem.
activities · 2 groups
What they do
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College Access and Success Support 1 activity
- Student outcomes tracking and reportingTracks and reports educational outcomes for participants, including admissions to NYC specialized high schools, Hunter College High School, private schools, and highly selective public high schools, with data indicating over 60% of students enroll in selective high schools and virtually all in schools with 90% or higher graduation rates.
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After-School Academic and Enrichment Programs 1 activity
- Year-round academic support program for underrepresented middle school studentsOperates a multi-year academic and cultural enrichment program for academically advanced 5th through 8th grade students from low-income and underrepresented communities in New York City, particularly Black and Latino students, providing instruction in math, writing, reading, and evidence-based writing, along with test preparation and counseling for admission to high-performing high schools. Programming includes Saturday sessions, summer intensives, and homework support, delivered in-person in East Harlem.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$144K
Contributions & grants$141K98%
Program service revenue——
Investment income$130%
Other revenue$3K
expenses
Total expenses$219K
Program expenses90%
Admin / overhead9%
Fundraising1%
Salaries & benefits$47K
Grants paid out—
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$8K
Cash$81K
Investments$977
Liabilities$7K
Net assets$-625
Liquid reserves4.5 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -46.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 11
- AKIL BELLO — Director
- ALEXA SORDEN — Director
- AMANDA MOSZKOWSKI — Director
- FRED MCINTOSH — Director
- JENNIFER PRINCE — Director
- JOHN LOONAM — Director
- JONATHAN ARAK — Director
- LYNDON PARK — Director
- MATT BLUMENFELD — Director
- MELISSA CALDWELL — Director
- PAMELA ROACH — Director
relationships · 6
Who they work with
- Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics Partner — Facilitates student attendance at recruitment events hosted by Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics.
- Center for Talented Youth Partner — Facilitates student attendance at recruitment events hosted by the Center for Talented Youth.
- City Smart Scholars Partner — Collaborates with ESPI, as referenced in the Summer 2019 newsletter.
- Districts 4 through 10 Partner — Primary geographic focus for outreach and partnerships with schools in New York City.
- The TEAK Fellowship Partner — Facilitates student attendance at recruitment events hosted by The TEAK Fellowship.
- Writopia Lab Partner — Collaborates with Writopia Lab to provide creative writing instruction in the fifth grade summer program.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Holistic Talent Identification Beyond Test Scores 41 orgsmethodology: holistic_student_identificationBy identifying students based on commitment, creativity, and potential rather than solely on grades or test scores, we uncover and support talented students who are overlooked by traditional metrics, because standardized indicators often fail to capture the full academic potential of students from underresourced backgrounds.shared approach: Holistic Student Investment →
- Early Identification and Support of High-Potential Students from Underrepresented Backgrounds 29 orgsmethodology: early_academic_interventionBy identifying academically advanced students in 5th grade—particularly Black and Latino students from low-income, racially isolated schools—and providing early academic intervention, we increase their access to selective exam schools and advanced academic opportunities, because early support mitigates systemic barriers such as lack of access to private tutoring and underrepresentation in gifted programs.shared approach: Structural Bridge Programs →
- Near-Peer Mentoring to Enhance Learning and Student Agency 13 orgsmethodology: near-peer_mentoringBy using near-peer mentors and college teaching fellows in small group settings, we enhance academic learning and foster student agency, because relatable role models increase engagement, build trust, and model pathways to college and academic success.shared approach: Near-Peer Mentorship →
- Evidence-Based, Rigorous Curriculum for Deep Conceptual Learningmethodology: evidence_based_curriculumBy implementing the Art of Problem Solving pre-algebra curriculum, we build deep mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills, because a challenging, proof-based curriculum develops the foundational competencies needed to succeed in elite exam schools and advanced academic environments.
- Integrated Literacy and Voice Development in Academic Preparationmethodology: personal_voice_developmentBy integrating reading and writing instruction that emphasizes personal voice development, we prepare students academically while fostering identity and self-expression, because combining literacy with authentic self-expression increases engagement and builds the confidence needed to thrive in competitive academic settings.