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In celebration of Black History Month (BHM) in the U.S. and Canada, we’re highlighting Head In The Game (HITG) grantee, Harlem Lacrosse-Los Angeles. The school-based organization provides year-round athletic, academic and social-emotional programming to students at risk of academic decline and dropout.
Harlem Lacrosse was founded in 2011 in New York to provide school-based mentors and tutors, as well as sports coaching to help students build their confidence and skill sets on the field and in the classroom. Over the years, the organization grew its offerings and expanded to sites in Baltimore, Maryland, Boston, Massachusetts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Los Angeles (LA), California – serving over 1000 students across 19 programs. 92% of its students identify as African American, Hispanic or multi-racial and many come from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Combining lacrosse with development opportunities, the organization empowers students to set high expectations for themselves and become leaders among their peers and in their communities. The holistic approach includes placing a Program Director at each school site to provide individualized attention and a constant presence in students’ lives. Harlem Lacrosse opened its LA site in 2017 to support under-resourced Angeleno youth, currently reaching over 170 students across six programs. Its six full-time Program Directors serve as coaches, advocates and partners in support of their students’ physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
We spoke to Executive Director, Ciji Henderson, about how Harlem Lacrosse-LA is helping Angeleno youth, its social and emotional learning (SEL) approach and the impact of the devastating LA wildfires on the organization.
What are the primary challenges your students face, particularly those of color?
Our students come from under-resourced communities where access to high-quality sports, academic support and mentorship is limited. Black and Brown youth often face systemic barriers that limit their access to college and career pathways. Our program ensures they receive the guidance and resources needed to navigate these challenges, from academic tutoring to college and career readiness programs. Additionally, many of our students face instability at home or in their communities. Through mentorship, SEL and team-based experiences, we foster resilience, confidence and leadership skills to help them thrive.
How is Harlem Lacrosse-LA recognizing BHM this year?
At Harlem Lacrosse-LA, BHM is an opportunity to celebrate the rich contributions of Black leaders in sports, education and community activism. This year, we are integrating historical lessons into our team discussions, highlighting Black athletes who have broken barriers and engaging our students in service projects that honor Black excellence. We also use this time to uplift the voices of our students, encouraging them to reflect on their own leadership journeys and how they can impact their communities.
Why is it essential for Harlem Lacrosse to provide pathways to success and leadership, particularly for young people of color?
Representation matters. When young people see leaders who look like them, it reinforces that success is within their reach. Our work is about more than lacrosse—it’s about ensuring that students of diverse populations are empowered with the tools, connections and confidence to pursue leadership roles. We prioritize mentorship and emotional intelligence, ensuring that our students are prepared for life beyond the game.
What makes lacrosse so powerful in empowering students and putting them on a path to success?
Lacrosse was chosen as the cornerstone of Harlem Lacrosse’s development model because of its unique culture and impact on student growth, both on and off the field. Unlike many other sports, lacrosse has a deeply ingrained “college-going culture,” where elite competition is often linked to higher education. This emphasis naturally aligns with Harlem Lacrosse’s mission to expand academic opportunities for underserved youth.
Beyond the college pathway, lacrosse fosters key social-emotional skills like perseverance, grit, teamwork and confidence—qualities that translate directly into academic success and personal growth. In 2008, Co-Founder Simon Cataldo, a special education teacher at Frederick Douglass Academy in Harlem, introduced lacrosse as a way to engage his most academically and behaviorally challenged students. The sport became a vehicle for motivation and the results were undeniable: his players achieved the highest state math test scores among special education students in the school’s history. What began as a way to connect with students evolved into a holistic, mentorship-driven youth development model. Lacrosse serves as the foundation, but the real impact comes from the relationships built, the confidence gained and the opportunities created—both in the classroom and beyond.
How is HITG helping to support your work?
HITG has been an incredible partner in supporting our students’ mental wellbeing. Its approach aligns with our SEL programming by providing resources and strategies that help students manage stress, build resilience and develop confidence. Through mindfulness exercises, coping strategies and open discussions, our students are learning to take control of their emotions and approach challenges with a growth mindset.
The recent LA wildfires have been devastating. What has been the impact for Harlem Lacrosse-LA and how can people best support you?
While we are fortunate that our immediate programming sites have not been directly affected, the wildfires have had a ripple effect on our community. Air quality concerns have occasionally forced us to modify outdoor activities, and some of our students have experienced displacement or family hardships due to the fires. Our focus remains on providing stability and support, ensuring our students have a safe space to learn, grow and play despite external challenges.
The best way to support our mission is through direct contributions, which help us sustain our programming despite shifting funding priorities. Donations ensure that we can continue providing critical resources like transportation, equipment and scholarships, allowing our students to stay engaged and on track for success. Additionally, helping us expand our network—whether through corporate partnerships, volunteer engagement or amplifying our mission—strengthens our ability to serve more students effectively. We are grateful for the community of partners, donors and advocates who believe in this mission, and we invite anyone who wants to be a part of this movement to join us.
Beyond Sport is proud to help support Harlem Lacrosse LA’s youth mental wellbeing programming as part of our Head In The Game program. Visit the Campaign’s Resource Hub to access mental wellbeing resources for teens.
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