EDUCATION & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

About Education & Youth Development

At the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, our EYD team is dedicated to unlocking the potential of Cleveland’s youth. Our programs are youth-centered, interactive, engaging, and relevant. We are dedicated to empowering youth through structured programs that nurture their academic, social, and career development. Every step is an opportunity to learn, evolve, and excel.

Our programs are designed with the fundamental goals and standards of the National Urban League’s Project Ready ™ Post-Secondary Success Model. Academic Support, Health & Wellness, Civic Engagement & Leadership, and College & Career Readiness are the essential components of our work and are integrated throughout our various areas of service, guiding our efforts to ensure Cleveland’s youth are Ready for College, Work, and Life!

URBAN LEAGUE OFFERS MANY PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGE LEVELS

  • COLLEGE TOURS

    For 30 years the Urban League of Greater Cleveland has been instrumental in developing relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) across the nation. This dynamic program gives students the opportunity to visit college campuses, experience their rich culture and heritage, and talk to current students. Participants also visit education or historic sites, such as The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. Anywhere from 45-90 young adults can attend each year. It is estimated that a minimum of 50% of students who attend the college tour go on to higher education.

  • MY BROTHER’S KEEPER – GREATER CLEVELAND

    A certified local chapter under President Barack Obama's call to action supporting boys and young men of color. The program promotes educational achievement, college & career readiness, and violence prevention through group mentoring. MBK-GC strives to achieve 4 key milestones: Graduation from High School, Post-Secondary Education or Training completion, Employment & Violence Prevention.

    Contact: Bryson Haynes – bhaynes@ulcleveland.org

  • CAREER PATHWAYS

    Designed for high school students, this program connects youth to in-demand industries through training in soft skills, financial literacy, and resume building. It includes industry exposure, work-based learning, and networking opportunities.

    Contact: Cierra Waller – cwaller@ulcleveland.org

  • PROJECT UNBREAKABLE

    A mentorship and development program empowering teenage girls beginning in the 9th grade. Through engaging activities like leadership coaching, individualized college & career planning, and hands-on immersive experiences, we focus on building positive self-image, confidence, and resilience while fostering academic success and future career readiness, especially in STEAM fields.

    Contact: Teshauna Tornes – ttornes@ulcleveland.org

  • SUMMER ENRICHMENT

    An intensive summer experience that merges classroom learning with practical work experience. Students develop vital skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making. Program components include project-based learning, leadership training, career development, and cultural enrichment.