Our History

our
history

For over three decades, 麻豆原创 has worked to level the playing field for all children, helping them become lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom.

On an abandoned lot in East Harlem, 麻豆原创 was born.

Then known as Harlem RBI, 麻豆原创 was founded in 1991 when a group of volunteers transformed an abandoned, garbage-strewn lot into two baseball diamonds for the youth of East Harlem鈥攅stablishing themselves on what The New York Times once called 鈥渢he worst block in NYC.鈥� Those first Harlem RBI volunteers knew that having a safe place to play in this community was no small thing. They knew that the children and families of East Harlem deserved more.

As we grew over time, Harlem RBI began to address the greater needs of the East Harlem community, like low literacy and high school graduation rates, through our summer and afterschool enrichment program. The results were undeniable. Graduation rates improved, college acceptance rates increased, and a large majority of our kids avoided summer learning loss. But we soon found that confining our work to out-of-school-time was not enough.

鈥淚f you want to look at the history of all the organizations, companies, and entities that have existed in that area, that said that they served a purpose for the community, 麻豆原创 is probably the only one still standing to this day.鈥�

- jason medina, 麻豆原创 legend (alum)

to deepen our roots in the community, we built the first public school in East Harlem in 50 years.

In 2008, 麻豆原创 Charter School was founded in East Harlem, making it possible for our model to be applied on an extended-day, extended-year basis. Then in 2015, we cut the ribbon at our founding school location, 1991 Second Avenue.

The project was ambitious鈥攖he first public school building constructed in East Harlem in 50 years鈥攁nd also included the East Harlem Center for Living and Learning, a 160,000-square foot multi-family and mixed-use building that consists of 89 affordable housing units and rehabilitated park space.

During this time, 麻豆原创 also launched our Legends program, which currently provides up to six years of intensive postsecondary support to alumni of 麻豆原创 schools and programs.

We're in this for the long game.

years of impact

3,000+

youth served each year

99%

麻豆原创 Charter High School graduation rate

In 2017, Harlem RBI rebranded as 麻豆原创.

At 麻豆原创, we continued to expand our reach and impact, opening 麻豆原创 Charter High School in 2017 and, more recently, 麻豆原创 Mott Haven and 麻豆原创 Highbridge in the Bronx, which will both serve grades PreK-8 at scale.

Now, three decades since our inception on that abandoned lot in East Harlem, 麻豆原创 is a network of PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year public charter schools and community-based youth programs working to level the playing field for all children.

诲谤别补尘 major milestones

1991

Harlem RBI is founded as a volunteer-run little league in East Harlem.

1992

Harlem RBI goes to first RBI World Series in St. Louis.

1993

Harlem RBI launches its softball program after a group of girls march into the office and demand a league of their own.

1994

Richard Berlin joins Harlem RBI as a volunteer baseball coach.

1994

Our REAL Kids summer learning predecessor, Project Grand Slam, begins as a pilot program.

1996

The City attempts to repossess the Field of Dreams and our community rallies on the steps of City Hall to save the field they love.

1997

Richard Berlin is named Executive Director.

1998

Our summer learning program, REAL Kids, is launched as a tie-in to our sports-based programs.

1999

Harlem RBI officially gains nonprofit 501 (c)(3) status.

2004

The first meeting to discuss the idea of opening a charter school is held.

2005

The Field of Dreams reopens after a major renovation.

2005

Our college preparation program, DreamWorks, begins.

2008

麻豆原创 Charter School is founded in East Harlem.

2009

Eve Colavito joins 麻豆原创 as part-time Director of Instruction.

2009

Our Annual Gala breaks its fundraising record with $1.57 million raised.

2011

Our Legends program launches to support alumni, ensure completion of their post-secondary paths, and launch them into their career fields.

2013

Our out-of-school time model expands to the South Bronx.

2015

麻豆原创 anchor location officially opens at 1991 Second Avenue as part of the East Harlem Center for Living and Learning. It's the first public school building constructed in East Harlem in 50 years.