Education and Youth Programs

We are committed to providing our scholars every opportunity and support today so that they may thrive tomorrow.

Our Impact

Call (212) 360-3255

HCZ Promise Academy High School seniors sit and smile during graduation day at The Armory.

Overview

At HCZ, we believe in continual wraparound youth programs is an essential component in preparing a child for college.  And college is the primary means of breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty. We are on a mission to ensure that every child in Central Harlem graduates from college prepared to create a successful, self-sufficient career. We believe that the pathway to college begins when a child is born and doesn’t end until a student has graduated and has the tools to thrive in a fulfilling career. Our aim is to light that pathway, from cradle to college to career, with community-responsive and wraparound youth programs that support children and their families in every way and in every year of a child’s development.

Early Childhood

The first years of children’s lives shape their futures. Through targeted youth programs that address children’s needs from birth to preschool, we work with parents and children so that every child gains advantages in their earliest years. Our programs are designed to build community for families, educate parents and guardians to ensure their children meet developmental milestones, and spark a love of learning in all our kids.

The Baby College®

In this workshop, new and expectant parents learn to meet their child’s needs through the stages of cognitive, social, and emotional development to age three.

 

The Baby College®

  A mother holds her baby by the hands and helps him stand up on her lap

The Three-Year-Old Journey

This workshop guides parents to foster in their three-year-old’s early literacy and math skills. Parents also benefit from a sense of community with other parents.

 

The Three-Year-Old Journey

  A man and young boy sit at a classroom table together reading newspaper pages

Harlem Gems®

In our two Harlem Gems® preschools, our teachers do whatever it takes to make sure every student leaves kindergarten ready and with an enthusiasm for learning.

 

Harlem Gems®

  Two preschool students site side by side, smiling and reading together

Promise Academy® Charter Schools

Promise Academy® I and II are unparalleled in their excellence, rigor, and care. In addition to a high-quality, standards-based education, students and their families have access to HCZ’s comprehensive network of supports, including counseling, benefits assistance, and other social services. Our promise is to do whatever it takes to address any issue—even those outside of the classroom—that can hinder a child’s future.

Promise Academy® Elementary Schools

We focus on building solid foundational skills in a safe, respectful learning community so that student success starts early and strong.

 

Promise Academy® Elementary Schools

  Three young students read at a desk

Promise Academy® Middle Schools

During these pivotal years, we provide a supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests as they excel academically, socially, and emotionally.

 

Promise Academy® Middle Schools

  A two male students observe a shell in a science lab.

Promise Academy® High School

Students’ sights are set on college and beyond at our two Promise Academy High Schools—and a rigorous, standards-based curriculum is just the beginning.

 

Promise Academy® High School

  A young man graduate embraces an adult during the graduation ceremony.

Youth Programs

We believe every child has unlimited potential. We have developed a variety of programs for Central Harlem’s public school students to make sure each one has the support they need to meet their potential, discover their interests, develop a goal of college, and access guidance and counsel when applying to and succeeding through college.

Peacemakers

In partnership with Harlem public elementary and middle schools, we provide supports to ensure every child has high learning goals and reaches their potential.

 

Peacemakers

  Three students sit around a classroom table doing arts and crafts

A Cut Above

Through character-building and enrichment learning, A Cut Above assists public middle school students in navigating personal and academic challenges.

 

A Cut Above

  Teen girls smile and hold up a “University of Maryland” decorative frame.

Arts & Civic Engagement

In this after-school program, high school students immerse themselves in the arts, gain career skills, and learn directly from industry professionals.

 

Arts & Civic Engagement

  A teen boy sings into a microphone in a recording booth.

Employment & Technology Center

High school students dive into STEM, learn to use cutting-edge technologies, and network with industry professionals in this after-school program.

 

Employment & Technology Center

  A high school student studies robotics.

Countee Cullen Community Center

High school students come to Countee Cullen after school to learn the ins and outs of a career in broadcasting or media arts and engage with industry experts.

 

Countee Cullen Community Center

  youth programs | Four high school students are filming in a studio. One holds a boom mic above the others

College & Career

When Central Harlem’s students are accepted to college, we feel enormous pride. We know they are well on their way to building successful careers and self-sufficient lives. We also understand that the transition into and out of college can be overwhelming. While our students may leave the Zone for college, we never leave them. We continue to support them as needed while they’re in college and working as young professionals.

Center for Higher Education and Career Support

When students are accepted to college, we function as advocates, advisors, and connectors to help them prepare for, thrive in, and succeed after college.

 

Center for Higher Education and Career Support

  youth programs | Two female college students speak to a woman about her career at a college career networking event