June 2026 NEWSLETTER

All of these honors affirm our belief in the incredible gifts and talents that lie within our East Harlem youth, and their potential to achieve at high levels when we commit to supporting their development.

All of these achievements belong to our scholars, but they also belong to you. Thank you for cheering them on, advocating for them fiercely, holding them accountable, and making sure they have whatever they need to succeed. We could not do our work without your partnership, so please know that we are deeply grateful.

As thrilled as I am to share so much positive news, I’m even more excited about the road ahead. I’m confident that with the work we are doing to streamline our programs and focus our investments where our scholars need them the most, the best of EHTP is yet to come. As we wrap up this year, we are already busy at work on plans to continue improving next year. I look forward to building on the positive momentum and continuing the journey with you!

EAST HARLEM SCHOLARS ACADEMY

More Improvement in Reading, Writing,
and Math Scores

In June, we are celebrating our scholars on their improved reading and math scores from the most recent i-Ready diagnostic testing. i-Ready is an adaptive online test that automatically adjusts with every answer to pinpoint a student's exact learning level and see where they need help.

In these recent tests, K–5th graders showed a 27% increase in the number of students at or above grade level in reading. For 6th–8th graders, the increase was 19%.

In math, the growth was even higher: K–5th–grade math scores showed a 34% increase in students at or above grade level, while 6th–8th–grade scores showed a 37% increase.

EAST HARLEM SCHOLARS ACADEMY II

Big i-Ready Testing Gains!

We are thrilled to celebrate our East Harlem Scholars Academy II for its impressive academic growth on the most recent i-Ready diagnostic testing! Our scholars leaned into the challenge and delivered record-breaking increases in the number of students performing at or above grade level. 

In reading, K–5th graders achieved a massive 28 % point increase, while 6th–8th graders maintained steady upward momentum with a 6-point gain. 

Our math growth was even stronger, with K–5th graders delivering an elite 42% increase in grade-level proficiency. Not to be outdone, our 6th–8th graders proved middle school math is a core strength by securing a spectacular 28% crease. A huge thank you goes out to our brilliant educators, supportive families, and phenomenal scholars for driving this monumental success!

East Harlem Scholars Academies Visits Six Flags Great Adventure

In May, middle school scholars from both East Harlem Scholars Academy (8th grade) and East Harlem Scholars Academy II (6th–8th grade) took over Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey for an unforgettable end-of-year celebration!

The class trips came just ahead of the final days of school, offering students the perfect opportunity to bond, unwind, and celebrate after a rigorous year of learning and state testing. The energy was absolutely unmatched as the scholars conquered the wildest roller coasters, won cool prizes, shared their favorite theme park snacks, and enjoyed some well-deserved downtime together.

An epic trip like this wouldn’t be possible without our incredible team. Thank you to all of the awesome teachers and staff members who stepped up as chaperones. Thank you for keeping the day running safely and smoothly, and for making this milestone so special for our scholars!

EAST HARLEM SCHOLARS ACADEMIES SPORTS

Girls Volleyball Team Wins Championship

Congratulations to our Girls Volleyball Team—made up of our amazing middle school student-athletes from both East Harlem Scholars Academies 1 and 2—on becoming the 2026 CSAA JHS Region 2 Champions!

This season was defined by pure heart, grit, and execution. These girls fought through every tough rally and backed each other up during a fiercely competitive championship run.

Did you know? The Women’s Sports Foundation notes that girls who play sports have higher self-esteem, lower rates of depression, and stronger academic outcomes.

A massive thank you to Coach Coleman, Coach Luckey, and Mr. Cepeda! Thank you for your incredible leadership, commitment, and support

throughout the season.

You are shaping champions both on and off the court!

EAST HARLEM SCHOLARS ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL

Senior Awards Night

In May, we celebrated the incredible achievements, dedication, and resilience of our East Harlem Scholars Academy High School seniors! From the stage to the classroom, this class has shown us exactly what it means to lead with heart and purpose.

Congratulations to all of our plaque and award recipients! Whether they took home the National Honor Society Award, Best Attendance, Hawk Spirit, Arts & Enrichment, the AP, or Principal’s Awards, or a Core Value Award, these students have left a positive mark on our school community and been an example to their peers.

A special shoutout to our top two scholars who have set the bar incredibly high:

• Valedictorian: Daniel Saldana

• Salutatorian: Eric Santi

Your hard work and brilliance are an inspiration to us all!

SPORTS BANQUET AND AWARDS

We had an incredible time honoring our Boys & Girls Basketball, Soccer, and Volleyball teams at the East Harlem Scholars Academy High School Sports Banquet. We are so proud of our student-athletes' unwavering dedication, both in the classroom and in the game!

At East Harlem Scholars Academies, athletics are about so much more than the final score. Being part of a team teaches crucial life skills—like leadership, resilience, and time management—while helping students build healthy habits and form a supportive, lifelong community.

Congratulations to our Girls’ Volleyball team for bringing home the CPSAL Spring Season High School Championship title! Your hard work and teamwork paid off in a historic way.

Thank you to our exceptional athletes, coaches, and families for an unforgettable season. You truly represent the best of us!

Student Artist Wins First Place

Let’s hear it for Saraiyah Wilson, who was named the First Place Winner in the El Caribe Democratic Club Art, Photography & Essay Contest! Saraiyah’s artwork was recognized as part of the club’s celebration of youth voice, creativity, and community pride. This is a beautiful example of what happens when our scholars are given meaningful opportunities to share their perspectives, talents, and stories beyond the walls of our school.

We also want to extend a special shoutout to Mr. Wright for his continued support of our scholars and their artistic development. Mr. Wright helped scholars submit work for both the Build Love Event and the El Caribe Democratic Club Art Contest, ensuring our students had access to spaces where their creativity could be seen, honored, and celebrated.

DEVELOPMENT 

Build Love 2026 Raises $1.89 Million

This year’s Build Love celebration was a truly unforgettable evening, highlighted by the honor of recognizing Junot DÍaz as the recipient of the 2026 James Baldwin Award. His powerful words, inspiring story, and meaningful presence brought extraordinary depth and warmth to the event, leaving a lasting impact on everyone in attendance.

We are also thrilled to share that, together, our community raised an incredible $1.88 million in support of the scholars and programs of the East Harlem Tutorial Program. This remarkable achievement reflects the generosity, dedication, and unwavering belief our supporters have in the potential of every young person we serve. We are deeply grateful to all who joined us in making this year’s celebration such a meaningful and successful occasion.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Scholars Visit Billion Oyster Project Site in the East River

Recently, as part of their Field Day, a group of our scholars traded the classroom for the waterfront for a fun experience with Friends of the East River Esplanade and the Billion Oyster Project!

You’re looking at an Oyster Research Cage (ORC) covered in tunicates (commonly known as sea squirts)!

While these bright orange filter-feeders are a sign of a highly active marine habitat, they grow so fast that they can crowd out the oysters. Our scholars stepped up as true urban ecologists, studying the biodiversity and documenting data.

Thank you to partners for an unforgettable, hands-on STEM experience. 

EAST HARLEM TEACHING RESIDENCY 

Staff Spotlight: Celebrating Rebecca Racine
and her 10 years at EHTP

Celebrating Rebecca Racine and her 10 years at EHTP! Rebecca began her journey with us as a resident in the East Harlem Teaching Residency, went on to become a special education teacher at East Harlem Scholars Academies, and now serves as the Director of the Elementary Teaching Residency.

Over the past decade, Rebecca has had a tremendous impact on students, teachers, and aspiring educators through her leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our mission. We are incredibly grateful for all she brings to EHTP and proud to celebrate this milestone with her!

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program

This school year, all public school kindergarten and new first, second, third, and fourth grade families citywide, including our students, can participate in the NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program, a college and career scholarship and savings program.

This free program is available regardless of family income or immigration status. Your child will be automatically enrolled and receive an NYC Scholarship Account with an initial $100 unless you choose not to participate. 

Please see these Save for College Program Intro documents for more information. If you have questions, contact Max Cox at mcox@ehtp.org or call NYC Kids RISE at 833-543-7473.