TRUCE
Harlem Children's Zone, Inc.

Since 1988, the Harlem Children's Zone's TRUCE has been weaving arts, media literacy, and college readiness programs together to support the intellectual, social, and emotional development of the young people of Central Harlem. Youth ages 12ñ19 participating in TRUCE come from under-performing schools with few arts programs. Following a curriculum built around a theme that the students select, TRUCE gives them hands-on access to the literary, visual, performing, and media arts. The program provides these young people with real-world experience, while placing their voices front and center.

Harlem Overheard is a youth-produced newspaper that reaches more than 75,000 readers. Students are involved in every facet of newspaper production and gain writing, computer, and leadership skills. TRUCE's award-winning cable TV program The Real Deal features poetry, videos, dramas, and documentaries produced entirely by students. The UMOJA Media Project, a coalition of African immigrant, Caribbean, and African-American youth, creates media projects designed to reduce violence and improve cultural understanding in their community.

In the visual arts, a program called A Different Lens allows students to design mural and community garden projects that beautify public spaces throughout Harlem. The students also study photography, painting, collage, and graphic design and are encouraged to assemble portfolios for high school and college admission. For young people with performing arts aspirations, Harlem Overheard Theater Works (HOTWorks) showcases their writing, acting, and directing talents and includes a festival of 10-minute plays performed by the National Black Theater.

The Insight Center provides academic underpinning for TRUCE's artistic programs. Weekly philosophy classes introduce the students to the world of intellectual exchange; one-on-one tutoring and Regents exam and SAT preparation provide personalized education planning. The Center's impact can be measured in the remarkable academic success of its participants. Each of its students has graduated from high school, and together, these graduates have earned more than $1 million in college scholarships.

By honoring their academic potential and trusting their creative power, TRUCE gives the young people of Central Harlem the opportunity to be seen and heard in a positive, captivating light.