Christie said HCZ leadership will convene an advisory group, led by Acting Higher Education Secretary Rochelle Hendricks, to deal directly with his administration and provide guidance and recommendations in an attempt to improve inter-agency coordination involving programs benefiting at-risk children.

Currently, New Jersey is the only state that has formed a partnership with Harlem Children’s Zone.

Harlem Children’s Zone’s mission is positive education outcomes for every child through effective schools and community programs, with the final result of graduation from college. The U.S. Department of Education’s Promise Neighborhoods initiative is premised upon the HCZ model.