Empowering Underrepresented Youth: Urban Arts Alumni Workforce Development Program
Achieving economic mobility is no simple task, but Urban Arts, a national nonprofit that teaches digital game design to underrepresented high school students, is creating tangible opportunities for its graduates to advance in college and their careers. Supported by a grant from the KeyBank Foundation, Urban Arts runs the Alumni Workforce Development Program. This initiative employs college students who have completed its digital arts program as Teaching Assistants (TAs) for the next generation of high school students. These paid positions offer pre-professional training, flexible schedules, and valuable resume experience, while also giving the TAs the chance to mentor younger students and inspire them by example.
"Urban Arts selects top alumni to guide the new wave of diverse creative technologists. They understand the content, are passionate about giving back, and earn income in the process—it’s a win for everyone," explains Philip Courtney, CEO of Urban Arts.
The challenge of graduating from college is significant, especially for low-income students, with only 14% completing their degrees. According to Kimari, an Urban Arts alumnus and NYU graduate, the biggest factor impacting graduation is often financial support. "Scholarships are crucial to getting into college, but once you're there, you face adult expenses like food, commuting, rent, and course materials. It quickly adds up," Kimari shares. In the 2022-2023 academic year, the average cost of books and supplies for first-year college students was $1,212, and incidental course expenses added another $285. When you factor in transportation, laundry, and other costs, it becomes overwhelming.
Mabel, an Urban Arts alum and Computer Science sophomore at Fordham University, highlights the impact of being a TA. "The most rewarding part of the role is making a real difference in students' lives. Urban Arts has been so influential for me that I'm happy to give back," she says.
Ellie, another alum and a senior at the School of Visual Arts, sees the TA role as a better alternative to typical student jobs. "Instead of waiting tables, I get to use my skills from Urban Arts to teach others. It’s more fulfilling and a great resume booster," she explains. Ellie teaches classes on coding, design thinking, art, and time management—skills she first learned as a high school student with Urban Arts. Plus, being a TA allows her to stay connected with the Urban Arts community and work alongside friends who share the same role. "It feels like a piece of home even as we navigate the new challenges of college."
Meredith Summs, Director of Urban Arts’ After-School Programs, notes that TAs bring a special authenticity to the game design curriculum. "As recent graduates of the program, they can empathize with students' learning experiences and offer first-hand mentorship. TAs also get the chance to develop professionally, honing skills like time management, communication, problem-solving, and improvisation, while learning how to guide and nurture future game designers."
Urban Arts and KeyBank are committed to helping underrepresented youth from low-income communities succeed in college and beyond. The Alumni Workforce Development Program is making a real impact on achieving that goal.
Click here to know more on Urban Arts.
"Urban Arts selects top alumni to guide the new wave of diverse creative technologists. They understand the content, are passionate about giving back, and earn income in the process—it’s a win for everyone," explains Philip Courtney, CEO of Urban Arts.
The challenge of graduating from college is significant, especially for low-income students, with only 14% completing their degrees. According to Kimari, an Urban Arts alumnus and NYU graduate, the biggest factor impacting graduation is often financial support. "Scholarships are crucial to getting into college, but once you're there, you face adult expenses like food, commuting, rent, and course materials. It quickly adds up," Kimari shares. In the 2022-2023 academic year, the average cost of books and supplies for first-year college students was $1,212, and incidental course expenses added another $285. When you factor in transportation, laundry, and other costs, it becomes overwhelming.
Mabel, an Urban Arts alum and Computer Science sophomore at Fordham University, highlights the impact of being a TA. "The most rewarding part of the role is making a real difference in students' lives. Urban Arts has been so influential for me that I'm happy to give back," she says.
Ellie, another alum and a senior at the School of Visual Arts, sees the TA role as a better alternative to typical student jobs. "Instead of waiting tables, I get to use my skills from Urban Arts to teach others. It’s more fulfilling and a great resume booster," she explains. Ellie teaches classes on coding, design thinking, art, and time management—skills she first learned as a high school student with Urban Arts. Plus, being a TA allows her to stay connected with the Urban Arts community and work alongside friends who share the same role. "It feels like a piece of home even as we navigate the new challenges of college."
Meredith Summs, Director of Urban Arts’ After-School Programs, notes that TAs bring a special authenticity to the game design curriculum. "As recent graduates of the program, they can empathize with students' learning experiences and offer first-hand mentorship. TAs also get the chance to develop professionally, honing skills like time management, communication, problem-solving, and improvisation, while learning how to guide and nurture future game designers."
Urban Arts and KeyBank are committed to helping underrepresented youth from low-income communities succeed in college and beyond. The Alumni Workforce Development Program is making a real impact on achieving that goal.
Click here to know more on Urban Arts.
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