What they reported doing
- #1 primary $255KFigure Skating in DetroitDespite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Figure Skating in Detroit (FSD) had a very successful fourth season, providing virtual academic programming during the both the summer and school year, with in-person ice skating and hybrid fitness programming. During FY21, Figure Skating in Detroit: Provided virtual programming, including tutoring, academic enrichment, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), financial literacy, communications, leadership, and college and career readiness programming.Created new programming focused on social emotional well-being and communityCreated a student-led podcast to promote healthy lifestyle, self-care, and social justicewith their generation and all listeners.Reinstituted in person skating sessions starting in the fall of 2020 Offered off-the-ice fitness and conditioning program, outside and virtually in the colder months to maintain and improve student fitness Appeared in a National Geographic documentary series
- #2 $0Summer Dreams and other programs Due to COVID restrictions, we were not able to hold our traditional 6-week in person Summer Dreams program. To continue to provide support and services to students during the pandemic, we implemented a series of 15 virtual workshops and panels focused on social and emotional well-being, college access in collaboration with both schools and alumnae, mentoring in partnership with NBC, and more. A 6 week SAT class was offered virtually in July and August. In August, 2020 the re-opening of ice skating rinks allowed us to provide skating opportunities for the first time since March.
What they call their work
What they do
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Figure Skating Instruction and Development 2 activities
- Deliver weekly figure skating and academic enrichment programProvides ongoing weekly programming combining four hours of skating instruction and off-ice conditioning with three hours of education and leadership development, including The EDGE curriculum focused on communication, teamwork, and perseverance. Programming occurs at the FSH Academic Center and City Ice Pavilion, with private transportation arranged for participants.
- Operate Learn to Skate program for grades 1–10Runs a Learn to Skate initiative emphasizing confidence, persistence, and resilience, with weekly Saturday sessions at Wollman Rink and integration of the FSH Creed into on-ice instruction.
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Youth Leadership Development Programs 1 activity
- Deliver leadership and life skills developmentImplements The EDGE leadership curriculum and expanded programming in conflict resolution, mediation, and problem solving, alongside student-led communications initiatives such as a podcast and newsletter to build communication and advocacy skills.
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Alumni Community Building 1 activity
- Engage alumnae and build community networksMaintains engagement with over 1,500 alumnae through an Alumnae Board, events, and interaction opportunities, and commissions legacy projects such as photography exhibitions to celebrate organizational impact.
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Student Career Readiness and Internship Placement 1 activity
- Offer career readiness and mentoring programsProvides career trips, fireside chats, mentoring opportunities, and SAT preparation classes to support college and career readiness for participants.
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Summer Academic Enrichment Programs 1 activity
- Operate summer academic and skating program for youthRuns an annual summer program, including the "Summer Dreams" camp, providing at least 32 hours per week of academic enrichment, STEM, communications, leadership, self-advocacy, fitness, and skating instruction for students entering grades 1–8 and select returning high school students.
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After-School Academic and Enrichment Programs 1 activity
- Provide academic tutoring and STEM educationOffers virtual and in-person academic programming including tutoring, STEM instruction, financial literacy, and standardized assessment, with 90% of students demonstrating improved competency in STEM concepts and 80% showing gains in reading or math.
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College Access and Success Support 1 activity
- Support high school graduation and college enrollmentEnsures 100% of participants graduate from high school and enroll in college, with support through academic programming, mentoring, and college and career readiness initiatives.
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Who runs it
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharon Cohen | Founder & CEO | 40 | $260K |
| NAOMI WEST | VP Development | 40 | $168K |
| Alex Wasch | VP Strat.prtnrship | 40 | $146K |
| Clarissa Minchew | VP Finance & admin | 40 | $143K |
- Candace Matthews — Trustee
- Courtney Oliver — Secretary
- Dawn Hu — Treasurer
- Julianne Wagner — Co-Vice Chair
- Laura James — Trustee
- Laurin Henderson Menton — Trustee
- Mary Anne Gueguidian — Co-Vice Chair
- Ross Greenburg — Trustee
- Shawn Outler — Trustee
- Sherrie McPhearson — Trustee
- Singleton Beato — Trustee
- Susan Kittenplan — Trustee
- Tina Lundgren — Chairman
- Tina R Davis — Trustee
- William King — Trustee
Who they work with
- Boston College Partner — Higher education institution attended by graduating seniors
- Brown University Partner — Higher education institution attended by graduating seniors
- City Ice Pavilion Partner — Hosts skating lessons for the Summer Dreams program.
- Flo Ngala Partner — Collaborated with Figure Skating in Harlem to create The GEMS Project, a photography series celebrating FSH alumnae.
- Georgetown University Partner — Higher education institution attended by graduating seniors
- Goldman Sachs Partner — Conducted financial literacy workshops for students.
- Howard University Partner — Higher education institution attended by graduating seniors
- Mayor’s Office (NYC Her Future) Government — Recognized Figure Skating in Harlem with the “Heart of the Community” Award for impact on girls and young women in New York City.
- NBC Partner — Mentoring partnership for student programming.
- NYC Board of Education Partner — Provides teachers who lead small group tutoring sessions for FSH students.
- Naomi West Partner — Contact person for Young Professionals volunteer program
- Northwestern University Partner — Higher education institution attended by graduating seniors
- PIMCO Partner — Conducted financial literacy workshops for students.
- Spelman College Partner — Higher education institution attended by graduating seniors
- Sports Business Journal Partner — Awarded the 2025 Celebration of Service honor to FSH leadership and alumni.
- US Figure Skating Partner — Supports Figure Skating in Harlem's programs and model
- Upward, Inc. Partner — Collaborated with Sharon Cohen and parents to create the foundation of Figure Skating in Harlem.
- Wollman Rink Partner — Hosts weekly skating sessions for the Winter Dreams program.
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.
- Individualized Academic Support to Achieve Grade-Level Proficiencymethodology: individualized_learningBy using academic assessments to create individualized learning plans within small-group tutoring, the program ensures students perform at or above grade level because tailored instruction addresses specific learning gaps and promotes academic mastery.
- Integrated Education and Sport for Holistic Youth Developmentmethodology: holistic_youth_developmentBy combining figure skating with academic support, leadership training, and life-skills curricula, the organization fosters confidence, perseverance, and long-term success in girls of color because physical achievement reinforces personal growth and academic engagement through shared developmental domains.
- Progressive Communication Skill Development for College Readinessmethodology: progressive_communication_developmentBy delivering age-sequenced instruction in writing and public speaking—from foundational mechanics to personal narrative and college applications—the program builds communication competence because skill progression aligns with cognitive and emotional development stages.