About

TREA, Teens for Racial and Ethnic Awakening (TREA), is a program run for teens by teens. In TREA, teens and young adults talk about issues that relate to their lives and that help to improve inter-group relations in their neighborhoods. It is a group that tries to create a comfortable environment where young people can freely express themselves, learn about others’ cultures, and explore issues at the local, national, and global levels.
TREA is an outgrowth of the Cultural Awareness Council (CAC). CAC began back in 1986 when a group of civic activists got together to address low-level tensions between long-time residents and new neighbors. They went out into the community and helped people to appreciate the fact that they were part of a new diversity.
CAC later turned into a youth-focused program. After a brief hiatus, following the events of September 11th, 2001, the efforts started in CAC were turned into TREA. Now, with guidance from adult staff and the support of The Renaissance Charter School, TREA youth are leading the way toward better understanding.

There are three TREA Cycles: Fall (October – December); Winter (January – April); and Spring (April – June). TREA cycles are, on average, ten weeks long.

Sponsors:

TREA is a project of the renaissance charter school.  This program is supported by discretionary dollars of our NYCity Council Member Daniel Dromm.