Mission: To empower youth to reach their full potential in the arts, education, and life through interdisciplinary arts training that celebrates the rich complexity of their community.

About the organization: The Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) was founded in 1964 by concert soprano Dorothy Maynor, who believed that world-class training in the arts stimulates the child, strengthens the family, and gives pride of ownership to the community. First opened in in the basement of the St. James Presbyterian Church with 20 piano students, the school moved in 1979 into a state-of-the-art 37,000-square-foot award-winning facility in historic Hamilton Heights, and with support from the Herb Alpert Foundation, undertook a major renovation beginning in 2019. HSA has served more than 60,000 students over the last 56 years.

Current programs: HSA offers programs for “every age, level, and ability” in music, dance, theater, musical theater, and media and design, including private lessons, early childhood and adult classes, a summer camp, and month-long Mini-Series classes designed to give young students a taste of dance, music, theater, and media and design subjects. HSA Prep is a highly selective pre-professional scholarship program that provides students ages 12 to 18 with advanced-level training, a full scholarship to attend HSA, individual mentoring, study hall access, high school/college application support, and opportunities to engage with professional artists of the highest caliber. HSA is one of five certified schools in the world offering the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) National Training Curriculum.

In addition, the school conducts outreach partnerships with New York City schools, presents quality community performances and programs, and provides essential workspace for aspiring artist from the community.

Website: Visitors to the HSA site can learn more about the school’s history, its program offerings, performances and events; check out current and past exhibitions; visit the Virtual Arts Exhibition Hall; or download the 2022-23 events calendar. They also can register for classes or help support the school by making a donation.

Funding: The Harlem School of the Arts is supported by individuals, foundations, public charities, and government agencies.