Harlem Lacrosse Empowers Baltimore Students with Opportunity

A New Path Through Lacrosse

The excitement of competition and the thrill of catching a lacrosse ball bring joy to Symphany James. “Just playing, I feel like it makes me happier,” she said. Her journey with lacrosse began when she was in fifth grade, and now, as a rising senior at Episcopal High School, she has committed to play lacrosse at UMBC on a full ride. This opportunity has opened many doors for her.

“It has given me so much opportunity,” James shared. “For one, I go to boarding school, so that was a first. I probably wouldn’t have gone to boarding school if I wasn’t in Harlem Lacrosse, and that in and of itself gave me an opportunity because I don’t pay to go to school there. My financial aid just through Harlem was big, and then I’m not paying for college, too. So, that was also a big help, and it was basically all through them. Without lacrosse, I wouldn’t have been able to walk through those doors.”

James is one of many success stories within Harlem Lacrosse. For many kids, this program gives them their first chance to step onto a lacrosse field and pick up a stick. The organization has chapters in five cities across the country, including Baltimore, which launched in 2014 and now serves over 200 kids.

Expanding Opportunities

Harlem Lacrosse partners with schools such as Commodore John Rodgers School, James McHenry School, and ACCE to attract children as young as middle school through high school who are at risk for academic decline. The goal is to show them something new and provide an alternative path.

“We want to focus on the kid that isn’t coming to school on time, isn’t paying attention in the classroom, to have them really understand that with lacrosse, you really have an opportunity to do more,” said Raamah Harcum, executive director of Harlem Lacrosse Baltimore. “Being an African American man or a woman in the sport, you’re a minority. There’s not many of us out here playing this game, and it teaches you a lot about really fighting back and getting an opportunity that’s something different than what you normally know.”

Throughout the year, Harlem Lacrosse teaches kids lacrosse skills while also exposing them to different career paths and life skills they can apply on and off the field. Desean McFall, a rising eighth-grade student at ACCE Academy, shared, “It just kept me focused on school and more stuff like that, keeping me out of trouble, out of the way.”

Supporting the Community

The program also provides kids with the resources they need. Harcum noted that 60% of the participants come from households with an income of $35,000 or less. Harlem Lacrosse offers equipment, support, and sometimes even transportation. However, more than that, the organization sets kids up to succeed.

“Being in the city, it’s very different. Especially going to public schools, it’s really easy to get tied into certain things. Having the opportunity to go somewhere after school definitely eliminates that bad influence that you can see in a lot of different children, because it gives us something to do,” James explained.

Many of the kids involved in Harlem Lacrosse are heading to college. In 2025, all 13 high school seniors in the program graduated and went to college or a postsecondary opportunity. Harlem Lacrosse ensures they have all the funding and scholarships needed to get through college.

Impact Beyond the Field

The impact of Harlem Lacrosse extends beyond sports. It provides a safe space for children to grow, learn, and thrive. By offering mentorship, education, and opportunities, the program helps students navigate challenges and build a better future.

Through its dedication and commitment, Harlem Lacrosse continues to create pathways for students in Baltimore City and beyond. It’s not just about playing lacrosse—it’s about empowering the next generation to reach their full potential.