As HARLEM WEEK prepares to celebrate another year of culture, history and community, one of its most enduring commitments remains preparing Harlem’s next generation to lead.
Through scholarships, leadership development, technology initiatives and family-centered programming, the annual event continues to expand opportunities for young people while strengthening the community that surrounds them. That investment begins long before the festival’s signature concerts and cultural events.
“Our kids are the leaders of today,” Beatrice Bolden, HARLEM WEEK youth organizer said. “We need to start them out early.”
This year’s youth programming opens with the Harlem Week Hackathon, presented in partnership with Silicon Harlem at The City College of New York. Centered on the theme, “Knowledge to Opportunity: Building Harlem’s Future,” the event challenges middle and high school students to develop technology-based solutions to real issues affecting their schools, careers, and neighborhoods.
Participants collaborate using artificial intelligence and digital design while learning teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
The focus on youth leadership continues during the annual Youth Conference, where students take the lead in shaping the conversation. Rather than adults determining the agenda, young people select the conference theme, develop discussion topics, and moderate conversations with their peers.
This year’s theme, “Legacy, Leadership and Passing the Torch,” encourages participants to explore how Harlem’s rich history of artists, educators, entrepreneurs, and activists can inspire the next generation of leaders.
“Legacy is important,” Bolden said. “But it’s only valuable if it survives.”
The conference also brings together youth organizations from across the city, creating a space where teenagers can discuss issues affecting their lives while building relationships with peers who share a commitment to community service and leadership.
For younger children, academic achievement takes center stage during the annual Alex Trebek Harlem Children’s Spelling Bee at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Open to students in grades one through five, the competition celebrates literacy in an encouraging environment where every participant is recognized.
In addition to competing, students receive backpacks, books, and educational supplies through community partnerships, helping families prepare for the upcoming school year.
For over four decades, the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and Harlem Week have awarded approximately $3 million in scholarships, helping students pursue higher education and career opportunities. Organizers say those investments reflect a long-standing belief that supporting young people requires more than encouragement, it requires tangible resources.
A festival for everyone
The celebration continues with the two-day Harlem Week Children’s Festival at Howard Bennett Playground. Designed for children of all ages, the event combines live entertainment with interactive activities including storytelling, arts and crafts, face painting, sports clinics, dance performances, and educational exhibits.
This year’s festival expands its sports programming through basketball clinics led by the Harlem Globetrotters while continuing partnerships with New York Road Runners, Harlem Hospital, Mount Sinai, and other organizations promoting health and wellness.
Families can also visit resource tables offering information on healthcare, education, insurance, community services and back-to-school support. Corporate and nonprofit partners will distribute school supplies, educational materials and other resources throughout the weekend.
Organizers say the Children’s Festival is designed to be both entertaining and educational.
“If you don’t entertain the kids with education, you’re not going to hold their attention,” Bolden said.
The festival begins with the Children’s Festival Parade, which highlights intergenerational connections by bringing together educators, community leaders, trade professionals, marching bands, step teams, and youth organizations. The goal, organizers say, is to expose children to a variety of educational and career pathways while celebrating Harlem’s history and culture.
