Project 116 is an socially-conscious effort providing youth creative outlets to initiate positive differences in their lives and those around them.

It started as a Citizen Schools apprenticeship taught over the course of a semester during the after-school hours at Isaac Newton Middle School in East Harlem. Designers Shien-Ru Tsao and Chez Bryan Ong volunteered to teach middle- school students how to design, produce, market and sell an original line of products. Such products include sustainable merchandise such as a fashionable, eco-themed collection of tote bags in addition to NYC themed graphics printed on recycled t-shirts, which are being produced and sold on the Project 116 Online Store.

Letter from Shien-Ru Tsao

Hello!

My name is Shien-Ru Tsao and I am an Entrepreneur/Designer.

My background is in Product Design and two years ago I started Dog Apparel and Accessories Company called "From Scratch" The new breed of products.

I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to do what I do but I began to wonder like so many others today how we as individuals could contribute to make a change for the better. I came across an organization called Citizen Schools - they are an after school education program for students in the middle grades (6,7,8) and they complement classroom learning by engaging students in hands-on-supported projects led by adult volunteers after school.

I immediately signed on to be involved. I asked my friend Chez Bryan Ong from spoon and fork to co-teach with me and he was equally enthusiastic.

For two semesters now we have been volunteering once a week for 11 weeks teaching an apprenticeship called Project 116 for Citizen Schools. We've been working with a group of talented students of Isaac Newton Middle School in East Harlem, to teach them about Entrepreneurship; on how to design, develop and market a product.

Soon after our first class, Bryan and I knew we wanted to do more. We were overcome by the talent and conviction these budding artists had. What was meant to be a volunteer project has now evolved into a Social Entrepreneur Venture. Project 116 is a socially conscious effort providing youth creative outlets to initiate positive differences in their lives and those around them. Our goal is to collaborate with various organizations on "Projects" to help mentor the students in creating artwork on products that eventually get manufactured and produced to sale. A portion of all the proceeds will be donated back to their schools.

As a platform, Project 116 looks to grow from hands-on Projects into an online interactive resource for educators, parents, and youth alike. Curriculums, editorial, advice, products, and media geared toward simple ways to make thing around oneself a little better will be showcased on the site. We strongly believe it's best to share these messages with the youth, as they are what will bring us into the future.

Join us on this journey…one project at a time.