Harlem Lacrosse began in 2009 when Simon Cataldo, a teacher at Frederick Douglass Academy in Harlem, New York started coaching his students in lacrosse and found success connecting the lessons learned on the field with work they were doing in the classroom. Since incorporating as a non-profit in 2011, Harlem Lacrosse has opened programs in public middle schools in New York City, Boston, Baltimore, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia to serve over 1000 student-athletes. They began serving Philadelphia in 2017.

Harlem Lacrosse aims to bridge the opportunity gap by empowering children who attend underserved schools to reach their full potential through holistic and hands-on academic and social-emotional education. 

The Philadelphia programming supports 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in the Olney neighborhood at the Finletter School and Olney Elementary School. Harlem Lacrosse works to identify students who would benefit most from their program and determine how to get them enrolled and engaged. Among last year’s participants, 99% identified as students of color, 95% were economically disadvantaged, and 20% of students received special education services. 

Learn more about Harlem Lacrosse on their  website  and be sure to follow them on  Instagram , Twitter ,  and  Facebook !