Montgomery explores partnership with Harlem Children’s Zone to expand cradle-to-career programming

City officials said they hosted Jeff Canada, founder of Harlem Children’s Zone, and Christian Rhodes, chief national impact officer, as part of an effort to develop a cradle-to-career pipeline for Montgomery youth. The visitors met with education, philanthropy, business, health care, faith and higher-education leaders to explore adapting Harlem Children’s Zone strategies for Montgomery neighborhoods.

Jeff Canada introduced himself at the meeting: "My name is Jeffrey Canada. I am the founder of the Harlem Children's Zone," and the city official said staff and community leaders toured neighborhoods and schools and plan further meetings with council and community stakeholders. The city official framed the work as leveraging public-private partnerships to change long-term outcomes for children in economically challenged neighborhoods. "When we think about public safety... it's directly tied to the amount and the level of education and investment that we put in them as young people," the official said.

City officials said they will continue conversations with the council and community on the partnership but did not present a formal funding request or specific implementation timeline in the provided remarks.