Skating program helping girls conquer life's challenges

It's a program that's using skating to help students through all aspects of their life.

Figure Skating in Harlem is a nonprofit organization that offers opportunity and empowerment to girls in underserved New York City communities.

"Not only do we skate but we do academics like STEM. My grades have gone higher in math and reading," said Cheyenne Walker.

The program was started in 1997 by Sharon Cohen, a former competitive skater.

"I saw such a transformation. i saw them develop confidence and poise and have fun and develop focus," said Cohen. "The most important thing we do is create a culture of success."

Girls 6 to 18 get help academically and life skills such as anti-bullying, body image and nutrition.   The program is very successful, with 100 percent of participants graduating from high school.

"When I first came here, I didn't know how to skate, but over the years I've been here I've improved a lot," said Kali Hearns.

Figure Skating in Harlem is also breaking down barriers. Often the group's members are the only girls of color in group competitions around the country.

"Skating has been an elitist sport, a very expensive sport and we're sort of democratizing it and we're opening doors for young people that don't get those doors open very often," said Cohen.

While the program is only in Harlem, there are plans to expand it outside New York City.  For more information the program, click here.

The program is year-round and costs $350.  Participants get skates and warm up suits and no one is turned away.  For more information, click here.