Third Eye Project Narrative
Third Eye Project Narrative
Neighborhood Change Youth Organization Inc. (N.C.Y.O.) is a nonprofit organization established in 2009 by residents of Staten Island’s North Shore (Community Board 1). The organization was founded in response to a clear and urgent need for accessible, preventative, and development-focused youth programs that support children, families, and the broader community.
The Third Eye Project represents N.C.Y.O.’s comprehensive youth development initiative, serving children and adolescents ages 5–18 during out-of-school hours. The project is grounded in research, community assessment, and lived experience, and is designed to address the academic, social, emotional, and environmental challenges facing youth in North Shore neighborhoods.
Staten Island’s North Shore is one of the most economically and socially challenged areas of the borough. The community is predominantly Black, Hispanic, and Asian, with many families living below the poverty line. Single-parent households are common, and the long-term effects of COVID-19 further intensified economic instability, academic disruption, and emotional stress for youth and families.
Despite being part of the same borough, the contrast between the North Shore and South Shore is significant. North Shore neighborhoods experience lower household incomes, fewer educational and recreational resources, and limited access to high-quality after-school programs. Research shows that social and economic conditions play a critical role in youth development, academic achievement, and long-term life outcomes.
School performance data reflects these disparities, with significantly lower reading and math proficiency rates among North Shore students and a high percentage identified as economically disadvantaged. These conditions place youth at increased risk for truancy, violence, substance use, teen pregnancy, abuse, and disengagement from school.
Youth in New York State have consistently reported a desire for meaningful opportunities to contribute to their communities outside of school hours. However, few programs on Staten Island’s North Shore provide a comprehensive combination of academic support, enrichment, prevention, and youth empowerment. This gap underscores the need for early, consistent, and holistic intervention.
The Third Eye Project was created to help youth develop awareness, critical thinking, and the ability to make healthy life choices. The project’s name reflects the belief that when young people are encouraged to think beyond immediate circumstances and understand the consequences of their choices, they are better equipped to navigate challenges and pursue positive futures.
Rather than focusing solely on intervention after harm occurs, the Third Eye Project emphasizes prevention, empowerment, and positive youth development. The program provides youth with knowledge, skills, mentorship, and safe spaces that support growth, resilience, and self-confidence.
The Third Eye Project is designed to:
Provide safe, structured before- and after-school programming during weekdays, summers, and school breaks
Support academic achievement and reduce opportunity gaps
Promote positive decision-making and healthy behaviors
Reduce risk factors associated with violence, abuse, truancy, and substance use
Strengthen social-emotional skills, leadership, and self-esteem
Engage families as active partners in youth development
Create a welcoming, accessible community-based youth resource center
The program operates from N.C.Y.O.’s central office at 871 Castleton Avenue in West Brighton, which is accessible by public transportation, ADA-compliant, and centrally located to serve North Shore communities.
After-School and Academic Support
The Third Eye Project provides supervised after-school programming for youth ages 5–13 that reinforces learning in coordination with schools. Academic support includes tutoring, homework assistance, and enrichment activities designed to strengthen literacy, math, and study skills. Research shows that sustained participation in high-quality after-school programs leads to improved academic outcomes, particularly for students from low-income households.
Nutritious meals and snacks are provided daily, and staff work collaboratively to identify and address academic, social, or developmental challenges affecting participants.
Cultural Arts and Creative Expression
Cultural arts play a vital role in youth development by fostering creativity, confidence, discipline, and social skills. Through dance, music, visual arts, and performance, youth are encouraged to express themselves, explore their talents, and build positive peer relationships.
Participants have opportunities to showcase their work through community events such as concerts, talent showcases, and art exhibits, strengthening both personal growth and community connection.
Sports and Physical Development
Organized sports, including basketball and boxing, provide youth with opportunities to build teamwork, discipline, self-worth, and physical fitness. Participation in sports supports healthy development, goal-setting, and positive social interaction. Teams engage in friendly competitions and tournaments throughout the city and state.
Real Talk Forums and Life Skills Education
Real Talk Forums provide facilitated spaces where youth can openly discuss issues affecting their lives, including peer pressure, substance use, sexuality, violence, mental health, and decision-making. Through guided discussions and study circles, participants gain access to accurate information, peer support, and practical tools for navigating complex challenges.
Violence Prevention and Conflict Resolution
Youth violence remains a significant concern in North Shore communities. The Third Eye Project incorporates violence prevention and conflict resolution education that teaches youth how to manage emotions, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts peacefully.
Programming includes peer mediation, parent and school involvement, and curriculum-based learning focused on empathy, nonviolence, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Abuse Prevention and Awareness
Given the high incidence of child abuse and neglect in Staten Island, N.C.Y.O. prioritizes prevention and education. Youth learn to recognize signs of abuse, understand reporting processes, and develop protective skills. Parents and community members are engaged through awareness initiatives, partnerships, and educational workshops.
Mentorship and Motivation
Mentorship is a key component of the Third Eye Project. Youth are connected with positive adult role models who provide guidance, encouragement, and support. Research-based mentoring initiatives have shown significant reductions in substance use, violence, and school disengagement among participants.
Health, Wellness, and Obesity Prevention
The program promotes healthy lifestyles through nutrition education, physical activity, and wellness initiatives. Activities such as the “Walk On” program engage youth and families in regular exercise while reinforcing long-term healthy habits.
Computer Skills and Digital Access
To address the digital divide, participants have access to computers and technology support. Youth develop essential digital literacy skills that support academic success, career readiness, and future economic opportunities.
Community Service and Civic Engagement
Youth participate in community service projects that promote leadership, responsibility, and civic engagement. Service learning helps participants develop teamwork, critical thinking, and a sense of agency while contributing positively to their neighborhoods.
Choices, Career, and College Exposure
Youth explore the long-term impact of their choices through career exploration, college tours, resume development, and exposure to vocational pathways. With parental consent, participants engage in programs that provide real-world perspectives on consequences and opportunities, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future.
Families are essential partners in youth development. The Third Eye Project maintains frequent and positive communication with parents, provides welcoming spaces for involvement, and hosts family-centered events throughout the year. By offering safe, free supervision during after-school hours, the program also supports parents’ ability to work or pursue education.
The Third Eye Project aims to serve up to 400 youth annually across North Shore neighborhoods, with plans to expand programming throughout Staten Island and beyond. Through a comprehensive, community-based approach, Neighborhood Change Youth Organization Inc. remains committed to empowering youth with the tools, support, and awareness needed to choose positive paths and achieve long-term success.