The Urban Institute for Service and Learning develops programs and leaders from within the communities we serve. With an emphasis on education, health, leadership, and entrepreneurship, the Institute’s build-from-within strategy aspires to create sustainable positive change.

We believe that solutions to community issues are truly sustainable when they are developed and owned by residents and that the next generation of leaders, especially people of color, benefit from an intentional pipeline into leadership positions.

In addition to developing individual leaders, the Institute also helps build organizational capacity in service to improved academic outcomes for youth; increased economic opportunities for residents; better health results for targeted communities; and increased diversification of nonprofit staff and boards.