Urban Arts teaches digital game design to underrepresented students as a pathway to college and career.
Because a quality education shouldn’t depend on a child’s zip code.
We teach students from low-income communities STEM and STEAM through game development. When they make their own video games they learn high-level tech skills—computer science, coding, animation, music, storytelling. Our novel approach engages traditionally underserved populations right when the begin to self-select out. We launch students into STEM and STEAM degrees with out private-school level college-access services. We ensure our students earn the maximum in scholarships—$18.9 Million since 2017 and counting. We connect our alumni to mentorships and internships at leading media and tech companies, generating a new diverse talent pipeline. It’s real-time economic mobility. “At Urban Arts, we imagine a world where historically-disadvantaged young people gain economic mobility though meaningful careers as creators, thinkers and leaders in the creative and technology fields,” says Philip Courtney, CEO of Urban Arts.
We are committed to helping Title 1 public school students explore their creativity and harness technology to defy the odds and define their future. We have an unprecedented opportunity to create pathways for our talented students to both flourish in their education and personal passions as well as creating a more diverse and equitable economy for lifelong success.
Our Students & Their Work
Game On
Project byJustin
Meet Xander T.
Idyllia
Project byDarcelis “Darcy” Gutierrez
Meet Giselle Muriel
Meet Darcelis “Darcy” Gutierrez
Dreamcatcher
Project byMabel Inoa Mejia
By the Numbers
Our students are 100% capable, talented and motivated. As well, 90% Low-Income Households, 92% Students of Color, 50% Female-Identifying, 10% LGBTQ+.
Urban Arts is a needed catalyst for young people to tap into their intrinsic creativity and promotes the power of design and creation while providing equitable access to holistic arts programming.