Booker T. Washington Learning Center

Founded in 1986, by the late Rev. Leroy Ricksy, the Booker T. Washington Learning Center (“Booker T.”) has maintained and strengthened its mission: “to break the cycle of inadequate education, poverty and despair, which pervades East Harlem, while working to maintain a viable and hopeful community.” Beginning with only a handful of children and dedicated volunteers, Booker T. has grown to serve over 250 children and families a year, and offer an array of programs that include a Pre-school, Afterschool, College Preparation, Summer Camp and Literacy Enrichment. Often considered by our families, as a “second home, second family and second school” Booker T.’s enriching year round youth programs help seriously at-risk school-age children, adolescents and young adults who are from fragile families. Beyond academics Booker T. works to provide a nourishing atmosphere for emotional and spiritual well-being, a haven to fall back to and rely on. Many students and their families remain with Booker T. from elementary school, through the end of high school and beyond.