INDEPENDENT
AFTER-SCHOOL
HARLEM GROWN's Students will be immersed in the studies of Urban Farming, Sustainability, and Nutrition.
Harlem Grown is excited to offer a free after-school program located at 127 West 127th Street for elementary aged (6 years old and above) youth! Our mission is to empower young people to lead healthy, ambitious lives and become positive forces in their communities. Let’s grow together—one seed, one smile, and one after-school afternoon at a time. At Harlem Grown, after-school isn’t just a place to be—it’s a place to grow. Through hands-on activities rooted in food, farming, and sustainability, our program transforms young people into curious scientists, budding farmers, and confident home cooks. Each day is filled with opportunities to explore, discover, and create a supportive and inspiring environment.
After-School PARTICIPATION
Free and open to all children in grades K-5 (6 years old and above) who live in the Harlem community. This is a registration-based program for up to 70 youth per day. All youth are welcome, but space is not guaranteed. Apply for 2026-2027 school year here! For information about registration, email afterschool@harlemgrown.org.
What to Expect: Admissions Timeline and Next Steps
Families will be informed of their application status on a rolling basis. Applications will continue to be accepted until all program spots are filled.
Due to high volume of applications, participants will be selected via a lottery and we will not be able to provide individual follow up on application status.
June 30th: Families will begin receiving updates on their application status on a rolling basis. Priority will be given to families who are able to arrange self drop-off directly to our after-school site.
August 31st: All accepted families must submit a completed and valid medical form in order to participate in the program.
September: Families will receive confirmation of their final enrollment status, including whether they have been approved for school pick-up.
September 14–16: All accepted families are required to attend one orientation session to prepare for the start of the program.
TRANSPORTATION
Harlem Grown arranges transportation from your child’s school to our learning center at 127 West 127th Street, based on enrollment in our program. Schools located within our pickup area (135th Street to 120th Street from Amsterdam Avenue to Park Avenue), that have 5 or more students enrolled in Harlem Grown afterschool, will be picked up by our educators.
SCHEDULE
Harlem Grown After-School follows the DOE school calendar. Our program is open Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on days when DOE schools are in session.
3:15pm - 3:45pm: Arrival, Snack, Homework Support
3:45pm - 4:00pm: Opening Circle
4:00pm - 5:15pm: Content (STEM activity, Cooking, Gardening, Art)
5:15pm - 5:30pm: Closing Circle
5:30pm - 6:00pm: Quiet Time (Late night snack, Reading, Drawing)
IT’S GROW TIME!
At Harlem Grown, we grow more than fruit and vegetables, we grow healthy children and sustainable communities.
90% of children grow healthy habits.
94% of children experience social and emotional learning growth.
83% of children experience overall learning and individual growth.