In 1991, Steve Harvey was living in his Ford Tempo with just $35 in his pocket. Years later, an unexpected invitation to perform on New York’s famous Showtime at the Apollo helped change his career.
Today, the television host and comedian supports young people through charitable work, with his foundation awarding more than $700,000 in college scholarships. Harvey’s journey from a struggling stand-up comedian to a philanthropist reflects the work of the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation. The organisation was established to support young people from underserved communities and single parents across the United States.
A turning point at the Apollo Theatre
Before becoming a nationally known entertainer, Harvey spent three years living in his car while trying to build a career in comedy. He kept his belongings in two bags, used petrol station facilities to wash and relied on payphones to manage his finances. In a personal account published on his official website, SteveHarvey.com, Harvey described 1991 as a turning point in his life. "In 1991 I was sleeping in my car, I had $35 to my name," Harvey stated in a personal account published on the platform.
"In 1991 I was sleeping in my car, I had $35 to my name, everything I had could fit into two bags. I started talking to God about my dreams… Fast forward, out of nowhere I get a call from the Apollo asking me to come on the show." His televised performance at Harlem's Apollo Theatre became a major step forward in his career. It led to regular hosting work on the show and later opportunities in television sitcoms, syndicated radio and major game shows.
Looking back on that period, Harvey spoke about the choice people face when financial hardship makes success seem out of reach. "Everybody has a turn back a moment, it's the moment you can either go forward or give everything up," Harvey shared on his website. "There's one guarantee if you give up it will never happen. Faith is everything, God is always on time, he's never too late."
Financial backing for higher education
After building a successful entertainment career, Harvey and his wife, Marjorie Harvey, established the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation.
The organisation aims to help young people from low-income backgrounds overcome educational and social barriers. According to figures published on the foundation's official website, the non-profit organisation has awarded more than $700,000 in academic scholarships over ten years.
The support ranges from allowances for books to $15,000 per semester for individual students. The foundation also reported on its website that it has awarded nearly 100 scholarships to college students.
The programme aims to help students continue their education without financial difficulties forcing them to stop their studies. "We have granted close to 100 scholarships to deserving youth through our Scholarship program, enabling our future leaders to continue to pursue their academic endeavors," the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation stated on its website. "We believe that these scholarships will create a legacy for families and generations to come."
The scholarship programme includes direct tuition support and partnerships with educational organisations. The foundation also holds annual college and career fairs, where students can meet university representatives and learn about scholarship opportunities. These efforts are intended to make higher education more accessible to students who might otherwise struggle to cover the cost of their studies.
Mentoring networks for young men and women
Alongside its financial support for college students, the foundation runs programmes focused on young people's development, leadership skills and mental wellbeing. According to the organisation's published materials, its main initiatives include the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men and Marjorie Harvey's Girls Who Rule The World. The young men's programme teaches personal responsibility, leadership and the value of positive role models.
Through organised camps and follow-up activities, participants meet business leaders, educators and community mentors who can guide them as they prepare for adulthood. "This program helps young men realize their potential and envision and prepare for a robust and productive future," the foundation explained on its official about page. "SHMP aims to break the misguided traits of manhood and introduce role models who provide positive examples of manhood." The Girls Who Rule The World programme offers similar guidance to young women. Its focus includes building self-confidence, supporting academic achievement, providing career advice and introducing participants to different cultures and experiences. The foundation also runs enrichment workshops for single mothers. These sessions offer practical advice on managing money, maintaining emotional wellbeing and making parenting decisions. The aim is to help parents raise their children while dealing with difficult personal and financial circumstances. Through scholarships, mentoring camps and community programmes, the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation continues to support young people and families across North America. Its work brings together educational assistance, personal guidance and practical resources for people seeking better opportunities.