The James R. Halsey Foundation of the Arts, in partnership with the community, enriches the quality of life for youth (ages 14 to 18) by providing a safe and educational environment where participants are inspired and encouraged toward a better future. This initiative is accomplished by fostering an interest in the creative process - while guiding participants/students through that process as it relates to the art of filmmaking, and by providing life-skills training that promotes success in business and the arts.

The staff at JRH is dedicated to giving opportunities to our youth for creative expression and skill learning. By developing new classes and projects, students with all interests are able to interact with the arts and create ever-lasting memories with their friends, family, and community. 

Let's Film Programs
JRH offers a range of programs to get students under the age of 18 involved in the arts.

The Let’s Film Program offers free comprehensive after-school film classes where youth take a hands-on approach to learning how to create short films from pre- to post-production. Youth who participate in the program learn all aspects of the filmmaking process including acting, sound, lighting, and editing. The youth in the program collectively develop characters with a script, film it, and prepare the film for a red-carpet premiere for family, friends, and the community. Youth are also exposed to creating public service announcements, and the filming of documentaries throughout the program.

Generation Change Programs
JRH connects with the community of Trenton and surrounding cities to highlight various issues involving the youth. Generation Change interviews adjudicated and at-risk youth focusing on how they would solve current problems in their community such as building positive relationships with law enforcement, local government; and major issues including gun violence and trauma. Leveraging a safe space for healing, we create conversations within the community with the goal of bringing positive change.  

Age Groups	Adolescents
Community Services	Arts & Recreation Art / Writing / Poetry

Last Updated: 04/10/24