Urban Arts, the premier national nonprofit harnessing the power of digital game design as a pathway to college and career, will honor Josh Feldman, Chief Marketing Officer, Advertising & Partnerships, of NBCUniversal, at its inspiring, high energy Color Ball gala. The event, set to take place on April 10 in New York City, will celebrate Feldman’s—and NBCU’s—dedication to fostering educational access and innovation in art and technology.
As a leading force in the global media landscape, NBCUniversal has been a long-standing supporter of Urban Arts, actively investing in the organization’s mission through creative grants, mentorship programs, and employee volunteer initiatives. The company has deepened its commitment to empowering the next generation of creative technologists by providing hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for Urban Arts students and alumni.
“For over three decades, Urban Arts has been a catalyst for change, using game design and digital development to unlock opportunities for students in Title 1 schools,” says Philip Courtney, CEO of Urban Arts. “Through mentoring our students, helping them find college scholarship opportunities, and leading career panels, Josh Feldman and the team at NBCUniversal have been true partners. We couldn’t be more thrilled to honor Josh and NBCU at the Color Ball on April 10th in recognition of all we’ve achieved together. Through NBCU’s steadfast support, we are equipping young innovators with the skills, confidence, and access they need to thrive in today’s tech-driven world.”
Since its founding in 1991, Urban Arts has impacted more than 260,000 students and 3,000 educators across schools nationwide. With a focus on college access and professional mentorship, the organization has developed a three-pillar approach that ensures students learn high-level computer science through digital game design, including coding, animation, music, and storytelling, but also receive the necessary support to pursue higher education and launch successful careers in arts and technology.
Each year, Urban Arts students earn millions in college scholarships, drastically reducing their debt burden and increasing their access to debt-free graduations. Since 2017, they’ve earned $25M in college scholarships. Urban Arts’ students and growing alumni benefit from ongoing mentorship and internship opportunities with leading companies—including NBCUniversal—ensuring that future talent is cultivated and championed.
“We are committed to supporting the next generation of creative talent, and through our partnership with Urban Arts, we have built unique programming to provide young people with the hands-on experiences they need grow,” said Jessica Clancy, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at NBCUniversal. “Urban Arts inspires and educates students to create what’s next in computer science, coding, animation, music and storytelling, and we’re thrilled Josh is being recognized for contributing to this important mission.”
“In my role at NBCUniversal, I work alongside creatives every day—and I am inspired by Urban Arts’ mission to foster and develop the next generation of creative talent,” said Josh Feldman, Chief Marketing Officer, NBCUniversal Advertising & Partnerships. “I’m grateful to be honored alongside NBCUniversal, as we work with Urban Arts to shape the future media and creative storytelling with technology.”
The Color Ball is Urban Arts’ flagship fundraising event, bringing together industry leaders, philanthropists, and educators to celebrate the power of game design in transforming lives. Students are the stars at this event, on stage with a winning production. Alongside Feldman’s honor, Louis Cato, bandleader of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, will perform. Funds raised from this dynamic, powerful event will directly support the organization’s programs, ensuring that even more students gain access to high-quality STEM education, college guidance, and career opportunities.
This partnership is a part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital opportunity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.
For sponsorship opportunities, ticket information, or to learn more about Urban Arts’ impact, visit https://tinyurl.com/COLORBALL2025
