Happening in Harlem: HCCI, NYIT to Introduce Free 'Building Resilient Communities' Program

New York, NY -- On November 11,  the Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) and New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) will launch a new partnership known as “Building Resilient Communities,” (BRC) and welcome community members to an open house at the Grow Center, also known as David and Joyce Dinkins Gardens, located at 263 West 153rd Street in New York.
 

At the open house, families will experience samples of BRC offerings including: testing the Culturama app while tasting new foods, a 3D printer, STEM games and activities, a hydroponic garden, a tour of the Grow Center, free health screenings and more.
 

BRC aims to build resilience in the Bradhurst neighborhood of Harlem through four key initiatives: after-school programs highlighting Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM); a community-led Neighborhood Design Center; a Parent University program to help families with the college enrollment process; and a Community Healthcare Program.
 

These activities empower residents via programs provided by NYIT, an institution of higher education offering high-impact learning experiences. Through BRC, NYIT will provide both expertise and participation from among its faculty, staff, and student body; while, HCCI will support NYIT by mobilizing community networks and providing three locations where neighborhood residents can receive services, training, fellowship, and hands-on opportunities.
 

NYIT Senior Director of International and Experiential Education Amy Bravo said of the new alliance with HCCI, “University/community partnerships translate theoretical and academic practices into programs that directly benefit underserved communities. Students also benefit directly by participating in high impact educational practices such as volunteering, service-learning, and mentoring.”
 

According to Malcolm A. Punter, President & CEO of HCCI, “The HCCI/NYIT partnership is ideal. Through this collaboration, we look forward to empowering Harlem residents by providing innovative technology labs, community-member led neighborhood design workshops, and expanding our STEM curriculum-based after school programs. This alliance will positively impact the lives of the NYIT students and Harlem residents.”

Click here for additional information, as well as the listing of scheduled events. 

Click here to RSVP.

Source: Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement

Video source: Moikgantsi Kgama