From Harlem to the Moon: Honoring Apollo 11 and Inspiring the Next Generation

On July 20, 1969, something extraordinary happened. More than 600 million people around the world watched as astronaut Neil Armstrong took his first steps onto the surface of the Moon and delivered the now-famous words: “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.” But behind that “giant leap” were thousands of […]

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What Is Play Equity—and What Does It Have to Do with STEM?

When we talk about giving kids the tools they need to succeed in STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math—we often think about laptops, lab kits, or access to advanced classes. But one of the most powerful tools we can give them isn’t something you can buy. It’s time and space to play. That’s where the idea

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STEM Starts with Play: Making This Summer a Season of Curiosity, Joy, & Growth

At Harlem STEM Up, we believe the most powerful STEM learning often happens away from desks and devices. It happens in backyards and playgrounds, in parks and kitchens, during downtime and daydreams. Especially during the summer months, when schedules loosen and school is out, play becomes one of the most effective and accessible tools for

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What Is the SHSAT and Why It Matters for Harlem Kids

A guide to opportunity, access, and action—no matter your budget If you’ve got an eighth grader in your life who loves math, science, tech, or problem-solving, you’ve probably heard about NYC’s specialized high schools—maybe even a school like Bronx Science or Stuyvesant. But how do students get into these top schools? And more importantly, how

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Explore Summer STEM Camp Options for 2025: A Guide for Families Across the Country

As summer approaches, many families are looking for enriching and engaging opportunities to keep their children curious, creative, and learning. STEM camps—those focused on science, technology, engineering, and math—offer hands-on learning that can spark a lifelong interest in discovery and innovation. Whether your child is building a robot, coding their first app, or exploring marine

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Disparities in test prep access for NYC specialized high schools.

“I find it bogus that a singular test determines if [you’re] good enough for the top schools,” said one comment. “Whilst the test does promote this idea of equal testing for all, people go into the test with different levels of preparedness as some go to specialized tutoring, which is paid for, whilst some don’t

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