Harlem Rock Club (HRC)

A mentor with a braided ponytail points to an indoor climbing route for a child.
A mentor with a braided ponytail points to an indoor climbing route for a child.

The Problem

Black and Brown youth in Harlem have limited access to healthy recreational spaces

Gentrification of Black families leads to financial hardships limiting access to stimulating activities

Harlem's Black population declined by 11k and gained 18k white residents

Black populations have 50% less access to green spaces compared to white populations

Black and Brown youth have less physical and emotional resources

Without recreational space, youth do not have all the tools to succeed in the long-term

Children with lower levels of physical activity are:

40%

more likely to display signs of aggression

30%

more likely to be bullied

But with coordinated exercise, kids improve:

50%

at-risk student GPA's improved

60%

fewer errors made on cognitive tasks

Leadership, Teamwork, and Other Life Skills are Expanded and Enhanced

By providing rock climbing instruction free of charge to Harlem youth, we support youth and give them space to grow.

Cooperative skills and trust building are promoted

Participants learn to take responsible risks and manage emotions

A young girl focusing while climbing a natural rock boulder outdoors.
A young girl focusing while climbing a natural rock boulder outdoors.

82% of participants reported higher confidence

A mentor and student laughing and hugging at an indoor climbing facility.
A mentor and student laughing and hugging at an indoor climbing facility.

HRC Youth Are Learning New Tools and Skills for Long-Term Success

Activated problem-solving skills translate to higher testing scores and GPAs

One study reported a 67% drop in suspensions and increase in literacy

Goal-setting, determination, and planning give participants long term success

A mentor spots a young boy as he climbs a large boulder in a wooded park.
A mentor spots a young boy as he climbs a large boulder in a wooded park.

HRC is Making an Impact

  • Community Partners

  • Youth Participants

  • Experiences

A student scaling an indoor climbing wall, reaching for a hold.
A student scaling an indoor climbing wall, reaching for a hold.

Harlem Rock Climbing is fiscally sponsored by NY3C.

Together, we're creating opportunities for low-income Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, hosting accessible events and mentorship, and building a more equitable climbing community.

Want to get involved?

A student climbs a rock face while peers and mentors spot from below.
A student climbs a rock face while peers and mentors spot from below.