The Laura Baudo Sillerman Scholarship Fund honors the immeasurable difference Laura has made at Harlem Academy. Since the school's founding, Laura has been dedicated to the strongest realization of our mission, making the school a philanthropic priority and continuously helping to fulfill the needs of our students. Her generosity offered financial stability through Harlem Academy’s early, uncertain days and encouraged others to see and believe in what might be possible in our future.
Laura Sillerman joined our board of trustees in 2012 and brought exemplary service, leadership, and counsel to the role. As a trustee, she set the standard – always listening carefully, sharing wisdom with humility, and keeping the mission at the center of our work. Laura’s generosity in sharing connections with Harlem Academy has shaped our community in ways that will make a difference for generations to come.
Among the most impactful was her introduction to the Poetry Society of America, which led to the creation of our visiting poets program. Each year, our young poets engage bravely with language, ultimately finding their voice and performing their original pieces with a rawness and honesty rarely shared so freely among adolescents.
This fund will celebrate Laura's transformational impact by ensuring a permanent pathway to opportunity for promising, low-income students. Supporters will receive yearly updates and recognition in the school's annual report.