I Am Empowered - I am the National Urban League

What is the Urban Youth Empowerment Program?

Funded by the United States Department of Labor, the Urban Youth Empowerment Program (UYEP) engages at-risk and adjudicated youth for entry into the workforce through a comprehensive set of services, including:

• Case management
• Restorative justice
• Education
• Mentoring
• Internships
• On-the-job training

The program also offers the following wraparound services:

• Housing assistance
• Legal Advice
• Tax Services

In addition to improving vocational and educational skills, UYEP aims to help participants regain their communities’ trust through service-learning projects. Youth are given the opportunity to give back to their community and make reparations for past offenses.

The program historically targets youth 18-24 years old, but has been further developed to include youth ages 14-17.

Who's Eligible for UYEP?

UYEP is free of charge to young adults who meet the following requirements:

• Are between the ages 18-21
• Were involved in the juvenile justice system at the age 14 or above
• Have never been convicted as an adult under Federal or State law

The program will operate from November 2012 – December 2014 in Pittsburgh, PA, Newark, NJ, and Dallas, TX by way of three National Urban League affiliates:

Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh (PA)

Urban League of Essex County (Newark, NJ)

What is UYEP NOW and California UYEP?

Thanks to additional funding, UYEP has grown to include the following program models:

UYEP NOW– Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, UYEP NOW launched in January 2013, and serves approximately 700 youth and young adults, ages 14 and above. Learn more.

California UYEP– Made possible through funding from Walmart, UYEP services are now available to young adults between the ages of 18-24 in the State of California via Urban League affiliates. Learn more.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of UYEP, affiliates host a family-centered awards ceremony for participants. Students are celebrated and encouraged to further their professional development and work in the community. Career coaches will also follow-up with participants to ensure retention in employment, apprenticeships/training programs, and post-secondary institutions.

Watch Our Video: "National Urban League Workforce Department: The People in Our Programs"

UYEP in the News:

Time: Creating Jobs and Fighting Unemployment