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Opening Plenary: Harlem Children's Zone
In October 2025, BCYF will lead an intergenerational delegation to New York City for an immersive peer-city learning journey with the Harlem Children’s Zone.
Recognized as one of the country’s most comprehensive models for youth and family development, Harlem Children’s Zone integrates education, health, and community support to achieve transformative impact. This Opening Plenary is part of the learning lab’s year-long conference experience, designed to inspire, challenge, and strengthen Baltimore’s Youth Master Plan.
We are thrilled to partner with the Harlem Children’s Zone, whose team is opening their doors to share lessons, practices, and inspiration with Baltimore’s youth ecosystem. Thanks to their generous support, lodging and meals for BCYF’s delegation will be fully covered, making this transformative experience accessible to all.
*We’ll publish a Learning Report after every conference, sharing what youth and community members said, what they learned, and how that learning turns into real actions for Baltimore’s Youth Master Plan.
Who It’s For
Intergenerational leaders from BCYF grantee partner organizations will create our researcher team.
As a researcher, you are a vital part of Baltimore’s learning journey. Your role is to represent our city with openness, curiosity, and accountability. Together, we will gather lessons that inform the Baltimore Youth Master Plan and strengthen Baltimore’s commitment to young people.
Event Details
- Date: October 28–30, 2025
- Time: Multi-day immersion
- Location: Harlem Children’s Zone, New York, NY
- Format: In-person site visit and reflection, with a Kickoff Virtual Session held prior to departure
- Cost/Registration Info: Travel, lodging, and meals are covered costs. Additionally, stipends for youth participants will be provided.
Impact from Past Events
At Opening Plenary 2024 (Legacy Sites, Montgomery, AL):
- 81% said their knowledge advanced significantly.
- 91% were extremely likely to recommend the plenary.
- 96% reported overall satisfaction.
“The sessions gave us actionable strategies to embed cultural responsiveness in all aspects of our work.”
— Plenary Participant
Contact & Social
Contact: info@bcyfund.org
What You’ll Gain
- Clarity: A firsthand look at how Harlem Children’s Zone aligns education, health, and community support.
- Connection: Relationships with peer-city hosts and cross-sector leaders in New York.
- Inspiration: Exposure to a nationally celebrated model that centers equity and family support.
- Momentum: Lessons that directly inform Baltimore’s Youth Master Plan and grantee strategies.
Participation Expectations
- Engage fully for all scheduled activities: plenary sessions, site visits, daily reflections, and pod meetings.
- Arrive on time, prepared, and committed to documenting and sharing insights.
- Dedicate time before, during, and after the event:
- Pre-Event: 1-hour orientation call + individual reflection.
- During Event: 3 days of learning, travel, and daily 30-minute reflection, and closing on-site group reflection session.
Agenda Snapshot
The three-day plenary will include:
- Site Visits to schools, community organizations, and family-serving programs.
- Dialogue Sessions with Harlem Children’s Zone leaders and staff.
- Reflection Circles led by BCYF’s intergenerational team.
Speakers / Facilitators
Facilitators will include Harlem Children’s Zone leaders and program staff, along with BCYF’s President & CEO, Alysia Lee.
Supports Available
- Youth stipends.
- Travel, meals, and lodging costs are covered.
- Dedicated reflection and prep sessions to ensure youth leaders are fully prepared.
