Harlem Children Society uses a very comprehensive approach at reaching the constituent population that it serves. At the outset of the program it reaches out to all the Principals, Science Teachers and Guidance Counselors by phone and electronically to pre-select and identify students who hold promise, below the US poverty line or qualify for free lunch.

Students are constantly presenting their work at schools, to their peers, and at professional conferences. In 2010 and 2009, HCS sponsored a select group of 60 participating students to present their research at the Annual International Meeting of the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society in Raleigh Convention Center in North Carolina and Houston, Texas. Founded in 1886, Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society is an international honor for multidisciplinary research societies whose programs and activities promote the health of the scientific enterprise and honor scientific achievement. There are nearly 60,000 Sigma Xi members in more than 100 countries around the world. The society also has over 200 Nobel Laureates. All of these students showcased their research in the form of posters. Six HCS student participants were recognized and awarded medals for their exceptional poster presentations representing their summer internship research.

            Science Parades and Street Fairs & Festivals are innovative events that bring high-level science, cutting edge technology, and compelling issues directly to the public. The Harlem Science Parades and Street Fairs & Festivals are attended by more than 2000 people and have been organized in collaboration with the New York State Office and the Rockefeller University Chapter of Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society. It features hands-on technology and research exhibits, experimental theater involving the general street audience participation in health, technologies, environmental and other issues, a poster competition with participation by over 500 students, representation by colleges seeking to recruit promising science students, and an all-star live performance including music and dance line up.
         Sister fairs have been held concurrently across the globe in the Hopi Reservation in Arizona, Monterrey in Mexico, Meru in Kenya, Calcutta in India, Moldova and Christchurch in New Zealand. All events were broadcast and webcast live.  Students, staff, and festival attendees in New York had the opportunity to actually talk face to face with participants in these distant locations throughout the day, creating an exciting and virtual international experience.

            Family involvement and post-program planning is an essential feature. From the beginning, families are engaged with information about the program and the opportunities available to their children. Parents are always invited to their children’s presentations and workshops as well as special guest lectures. They are kept apprised on college applications, financial aid, and employment opportunities. Efforts are made to involve families in the planning of the street fairs. Parents will to keep journals about their children’s experiences, their own histories and reflections on science, technology & society, as part of an archive and publication that captures powerful and often poignant stories of people seeking a future for their children, communities, and society.