"EMPOWERING URBAN COMMUNITIES TO BE PASSIONATE ABOUT THEIR FUTURES."
- CELESTE MJ KELLY,
FOUNDER & CEO
ABOUT US
Neon Hearts is a youth development agency that teaches, trains, and employs the next generation of visionary leaders. We’re on a mission to disrupt generational cycles and make career mobility possible for future generations by educating, training, and employing underrepresented teens and young adults. We help urban families secure their financial futures by teaching students how to organize their lives, get dream careers, and start building wealth so they can successfully transition into adulthood and creating access to opportunities for them to thrive so they can graduate financially independent.
We believe everyone deserves the chance to be great.
OUR COMMUNITY
Neon Hearts provides transformative youth programming that creates healing spaces to help kids decompress and be inspired to be confident in their skin. At the core of every behavioral issue lies a struggle with self-awareness, identity, and belonging. Our customized socio-emotional curriculum redirects their energies toward activities that have positive impacts on their lives, as well as others in their community and around the world. Our goal is to equip them with tools to carry them into successful adulthood.
Our diverse staff comes from the same neighborhoods we serve and are invested in the futures of every student enrolled in our programs. These vibrant changemakers are intent on bridging the gap to build sustainable urban communities. We’re serious about showing support for our kids because we understand the importance of how we show up as role models.
WHAT WE DO
Emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and other 21st-century skills are vital to achieving success in every phase of life, but these qualities are diminishing with each generation. Our comprehensive programs combine decades of HR, staffing, and career management expertise to teach teens and young adults, ages 14-24, how to intentionally plan their lives after graduation. We offer a holistic approach to career management connecting teens and young adults to resources that help them find clarity in their search for rewarding careers. We collaborate with schools, youth program providers, and community-based organizations who want to drive change to provide a better network of support for teens and young adults living in urban communities. By showing young people what’s possible, what their options are, and the skills they need to make it all happen, we can help build strong futures for the leaders of tomorrow.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Positive Mental States that Reduce Emotional Distress and Delinquent Acts
Increased Confidence and Overall Life Satisfaction
Increased Academic Performance
Improved Relationships Inside and Outside their Circles
Deeper Levels of Engagement and More!
HOW WE'RE DIFFERENT
Relevant and relatable, we incorporate hands-on experiential activities using music, art, social media, and more to engage children at all levels.
Inclusive programming to give families, schools, and communities a voice in program development with opportunities for volunteerism, internships, and employment.
Streamlined school to parent communications to keep everyone on the same page.
Access to an Awesome Community of
innovative individuals focused on your child's growth into successful adults.
ADDRESS: 8 WEST 126TH STREET NEW YORK, NY 10027