HEAF Turns Underserved NYC Students Into College Grads with Dr. Fern Khan at Helm
The Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF), a supplemental education nonprofit that provides afterschool, summer and weekend programs to empower underserved New York City students to pursue and obtain a college education, recently hosted its 2012 Annual Benefit Dinner to raise funds to support programming for its middle, high school and college students.
HEAF students and Dr. Fareed Zakaria, author and host of CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS, engaged the audience through an interactive panel that examined recent presidential election cycles and the major foreign policies of each respective administration.
“We are so grateful for the support of our sponsors and are excited to welcome them, and both old and new friends to HEAF’s 2012 Annual Benefit Dinner,” said Calvin Sims, chairman of the HEAF Board of Directors. “In the midst of a historic election, we are reminded that education is one of the most pressing issues facing our nation. I’m proud of both the commitment our supporters have made to HEAF and their recognition that education is key to improving the lives of the next generation. Daniel Rose, founder of the organization, was in attendance.
The support of HEAF partners and sponsors will allow the organization to continue and enhance its extensive and rigorous academic programs. “The education system is facing mounting challenges and pressures, and many students who have a lot of potential are falling through the cracks,” said HEAF interim president and chief executive officer Fern Khan. “HEAF offers an alternative for these students. We have an impressive track record of success — ensuring our students go to college, graduate and become successful professionals.”
All of the students graduate high school and go on to higher education, and 35 percent obtain advanced degrees. It is through HEAF’s innovative and rigorous programming that it is able to achieve such impressive results. The HEAF Annual Benefit Dinner plays a critical role in ensuring these programs are able to continue and the organization is able to carry its mission forward.
The evening, which was hosted by the HEAF Board of Directors, honored Michael D. Colacino, president of Studley and Richard H. Neiman, vice president of Global Financial Services Regulatory Practices at PricewaterhouseCoopers, for their accomplishments and contributions to the community.
HEAF is a high-impact supplemental education and youth leadership nonprofit that turns high-potential but underserved New York City public school students into high-achieving college graduates. HEAF enrolls qualifying students in middle school and supports them until they are successfully admitted to — and graduate from four-year colleges. #
