Your Support Finishes What Their Dreams Start

When Mariam first walked into Harlem Link as a kindergartener in 2012, she was a bright-eyed five-year-old with a big imagination. Her family, new to the country, sought out the school as a haven as they navigated life in New York. Even then, her teachers were talking with her about the future and the possibilities that lay ahead, including the ones she couldn’t yet see for herself.

By fifth grade, Mariam was ready for her next big step. Through Harlem Link’s comprehensive Middle School Admissions Program, she tackled applications, practiced interview skills, and earned a spot at one of New York City’s top middle schools. Along the way, she learned one of Harlem Link’s most important lessons: when you’re part of this community, you give back.

And Mariam did just that. She stayed active through our Start to Finish Program by volunteering after school, speaking at Alumni Night Summits, and mentoring younger students who reminded her of herself.

“It’s the first place I’ve been to…the first actual school, and it’s really meaningful because that’s where everything started. That’s where I met the people I’m still friends with today. It’s a starting ground.” Mariam, 2021

Through Harlem Link’s Start to Finish Program, Mariam is part of a lifelong network of over 800 alumni. With encouragement and connections from Harlem Link, she was accepted into the prestigious Oliver Scholars Program and later earned a scholarship to The Dwight School. While in high school, she founded Connecting West to West, an international education project bringing students together across continents.

Today, Mariam is studying Global Finance and International Law at NYU’s Stern School of Business. As Mariam prepared to start her freshman year, we connected her with another Harlem Link alum who is at NYU, who offered friendship and guidance. The Start to Finish Program made this connection possible, and while it gave Mariam confidence as she embarked on her college experience, it was also an illustration of the power of the network that she herself has contributed so much to.

Mariam’s two siblings have similar stories and her three cousins and niece are now thriving at Harlem Link. This one family offers proof that the Start to Finish Program doesn’t just impact one life, but strengthens families and communities in the city and around the world.

Be Part of the Next Chapter

Mariam is one of 820 Harlem Link alumni across five boroughs, 21 states, and 4 countries, all working to make a difference. Ninety percent of our alumni come from low-income households, and face serious barriers to access opportunities, but every single Harlem Link student carries big dreams.

Your gift keeps our Start to Finish promise alive: that every Harlem Link student has the guidance, access, and community they need to thrive as adults in their community.