Great Minds

Igniting Passion, Creativity, and Confidence in Grades 4–8

The Great Minds After-School Program is a free, year-round academic enrichment program for students in grades 4–8 who participate in CityTrack or Little Feet, The Armory Foundation’s youth track & field programs.

Through hands-on learning in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math), game design, financial literacy, and digital media, students discover their passions and build skills that will last a lifetime.

Great Minds empowers students not just to succeed in school, but to imagine what’s possible beyond it.

🏃 Open to students in grades 4–8 who participate in CityTrack or Little Feet at The Armory.

Why It Matters

The years between 4th and 8th grade are foundational. During this time, students form not only their academic identity, but also their confidence, curiosity, and sense of possibility. Yet in New York City and across the country, students who begin to struggle during these years often face an uphill battle with fewer high school options, lower standardized test scores, and diminished access to college pathways.

At The Armory we change that trajectory.

By offering consistent, high-quality after-school programming that blends academic enrichment with creative exploration, Great Minds helps students in Washington Heights, Inwood, and Harlem strengthen their skills, discover new passions, and build momentum toward long-term success.

And it works.

• Students in our program show 2–3 times more academic growth than the national average in math and reading, based on MAP testing.

• Our 6th grade students average +8.03 points of growth, while the national benchmark is just +3.36.

• Over the course of a year, students spend more than 120 hours engaged in meaningful, skill-building experiences that directly support their classroom performance and future goals.

Through design, coding, financial literacy, and media creation, our students begin developing the kinds of problem-solving and communication skills that are essential for the world ahead.

At its heart, Great Minds is about giving young people the space, tools, and encouragement to think deeply, build boldly, and dream bigger.

Program Features

STEAM Exploration

Great Minds uses STEAM education to help students connect subjects across disciplines and tackle real-world problems creatively.

Design & 3D Modeling

Students build a foundation in visual and spatial design through:

• Graphic design (color theory, layout, typography)

• CAD software and 3D modeling

• Hands-on projects like product and environment design

Game Design & Coding

Through Scratch and the Games for Change Student Challenge, students:

• Learn core coding and storytelling skills

• Build original game prototypes

• Remix games with a social impact focus

• Explore mechanics, chance, and systems thinking

Video Production & Animation

Students express their voices through visual storytelling:

• Stop-motion and digital animation

• Scriptwriting, filming, and editing

• Final media showcases for peers and families

Financial Literacy

Students participate in the Stock Market Game, gaining foundational knowledge in:

• Investing and budgeting

• Risk management and market research

• Real-world economic analysis

High School Application Support (Grades 6–8)

With over 500 high schools in NYC, choosing the right one is a big step. We provide:

• Guidance on selecting best-fit schools

• Application and interview prep

• Help with portfolios and test requirements

• Support for both students and their families