The African-American community has seen countless senseless crimes committed against them that have set them back socially and economically. One organization dedicated to steering Blacks toward economic empowerment, equality, and social justice, is the National Urban League (NUL), which was created in 1910 and is headquartered in New York City.
The NUL has expanded to over 300 communities in 37 states and the District of Columbia with 90 affiliate programs. It spearheads the development of social programs and authoritative public policy research and advocates for policies and services that close the equality gap. The organization is designed to promote economic empowerment through education and job training, housing and community development, workforce development, entrepreneurship, health, and quality of life.
One of the NUL programs is the Project Ready mentorship program, which targets African-Americans and other urban youth, ages 11 – 18, who are particularly vulnerable to disengagement from school, community, and the workforce. This program has amassed 21 affiliates.
The Project Ready program helps prepare underserved youth for college and careers by implementing three different models, at various times in the school day. The Magnet Model supports students offsite of campus; The School-Based Model is after school on campus and supports students at school after school hours; and The Expanded Day or year Model features additional learning and development time added to the school day.
Since launching in 2011, Project Ready has provided more than 11,000 young people across the country with academic support, life skills, and exposure to college access programs to prepare them for life after high school.
Additionally, the program tracks more than 2,000 students through the National Student Clearinghouse as they transition to college. Some affiliates also help students navigate the challenges of that pivotal first year.
The league also helps African-Americans with jobs with its Urban Reentry Jobs Program. This program helps Americans re-enter the workforce after a period of incarceration. This signature program affords enrolled participants the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials, learn employment-focused skills, and form positive relationships with their communities.
The program provides formerly incarcerated adults with the necessary skills and training to successfully re-enter the job market in positions that pay a livable wage, and that can potentially lead to a career.
For more information about the NUL, their programs, and its affiliates, visit https://tinyurl.com/ye273aww
