The academic centers and programs listed below provided research and administrative support for the Empowerment Zone applications submitted by the Harlem Urban Development Corporation in 1995 (confirm date). Today these programs provide ongoing support to New York City's impoverished neighborhoods.

Urban Technical Assistance Program: This program provides low-cost urban planning technical assistance to community-based organizations, predominantly in northern Manhattan. UTAP is also currently working with the Empowerment Zones in northern Manhattan and Camden, N.J. in support of urban improvement projects such as park improvement, building façade renovations and streetscape planning. UTAP utilizes computer generated images to help "visualize" a project. Web site: http://www.arch.columbia.edu/UTAP/

EZMAP: The Ford Foundation-funded Empowerment Zone Management Assistance Program is housed at Columbia and provides just that to the northern Manhattan Empowerment Zone. Clients include the Camden Empowerment Zone, Coalition of Harlem and the United TIL (Tenant Interim Lease).

Center for Urban Research and Policy: CURP provides research support to a variety of governmental and not-for-profit community based groups.