Urban Arts believes a quality education shouldn’t depend on a child’s zip code. we teache digital game design as a pathway to college and career for underrepresented students.
They leverage game design to transform computer science education and address equity gaps through the power of play. We provide top-tier college-access services and ensure our students earn the maximum in scholarships. And we connect our students and alumni to mentorships and internships at leading media and technology companies, generating a new and diverse talent pipeline.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person on the planet to achieve more. Urban Arts’s programming is driving alongside us in that mission by empowering the next generation of developers and creators.
THE PROBLEM
Public schools have not kept pace with preparing students for the 21st century.
39 percent of middle school and 56 percent of high school students feel disengaged. For students attending low-income schools, this crisis is even more acute. Students in these schools have limited or no access to arts and technology programs that can help them develop the skills necessary to be part of the future economy.
URBAN ARTS SOLUTION
We design and implement student-centered educational programs rooted in the arts and technology for underrepresented students.
They gain personal fulfillment and economic mobility through meaningful careers as creators, thinkers, and leaders in the creative & tech fields.
We won't accept, so we get to work
56%
of high school students feel disengaged at school.
93%
of teachers report that our curriculum is an engaging way to teach students computer science.
89%
of low-income first-generation college students drop out of college or delay graduation due to financial insecurity.
$25M
Our students have earned $25M in scholarships to date ensuring college graduation is attainable. Further, we’re creating the first-ever public-option Digital Game Design degree here.
69%
The rapidly growing tech and entertainment sector is 69% white, and only 17% of leaders in this field are people of color.
92%
are students of color, 90% of our students are from low-income households, 50% identify as female, 10% are gender-nonconforming
8%
Employment in the US video game industry grew by 8% in 2022 to 276,787 and this growth is expected to accelerate in the next five years.
100%
of our students create a portfolio of games and digital artifacts, distinguishing their college and job applications. As well, they earn professional industry certifications in the fields of computer science, machine learning, and programming from companies like Unity, Microsoft, and Unreal.
Our Teachers
93% of teachers who participated in Urban Arts programs believe more strongly that Game Design is an engaging and effective way to teach students computer science.
100% of teachers who participated in our AP Computer Science program GAME ON feel more confident teaching through Game Design. Now in 10 states!
The Urban Arts team and their expertly developed resources have made my job significantly easier, helping me deliver rigorous, engaging Computer Science instruction to students of all levels and backgrounds. Not sure how I’d do it without their support!
Our Students
The majority of students who participate in Urban Arts report an increased feeling that they belong in the field of computer science.
Our multi-year, after-school program offers 300+ hours of learning— game design, coding, narrative writing, animation, and storytelling.
We help students earn professional industry certifications in the fields of computer science, machine learning, and coding from companies like Unity, Microsoft, and Unreal.
We’ve employed over 40 of our alumni as Educators, Software Engineers, and Designers, allowing them to pay it forward while getting paid.
College
100% of our Advanced students go to college
Students have earned $25M in scholarships to date
Schools that students are matriculating to
Urban Arts gave me the tools to think creatively and use my voice in college.
The Prestigious Nagler Scholarship
This scholarship was created in 2007 to enable low-income high school students to define their future by providing $60,000 to one winning scholar. The Nagler Scholarship was created by Urban Arts Board Member Niclas Nagler and his family. Nagler scholars demonstrate leadership in their schools, a clear focus and vision for their post-secondary careers, and a strong desire to use their talents and skills to impact the community.
Our Alumni have won additional scholarships from:
College Scholarship
POSSE Foundation
Questbridge College Match Finalists
Generation Google Scholarship
Adobe Design Circle Scholarship
Jack Cooke Kent Foundation Scholarship
ESA Foundation Scholarship
CYSTEM Grant
Career
We facilitate mentorships with students and professionals from major companies, granting exposure and access to the world of work. If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.
We host MasterClasses taught by top creative industry professionals, creating exceptional and intimate educational moments.
Being part of the MasterClass was extremely rewarding. Reflecting on my own career experiences while connecting with so many energetic, talented, and inquisitive students left me with a sense of purpose and hope about the next generation of game developers.
Featured Partners
