Our Impact

Intrusion Plus by Leo L

Urban Arts teaches digital game design as a pathway to college and career for underrepresented students.

  1. We teach the art and technology of game development through computer sciences, coding, animation, music and storytelling.
  2. We provide top tier college-access services and ensure our students earn the maximum in scholarships.
  3. We connect our students and alumni to mentorships and internships at leading media and technology companies, generating a new and diverse talent pipeline.
Students of Color
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From Low-Income Households
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College Acceptance
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In College Scholarships
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Students served to date
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Teachers trained
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While 79% of students from high-income families enroll in postsecondary education, only 44% from the lowest-income quartile do the same, limiting their career prospects and earning potential. Urban Arts addresses systemic barriers to economic mobility by equipping students from low-income communities with the creative and technical skills, mentorship and opportunities needed to graduate college with low- to no-debt while accessing the careers of the future.

We won’t accept:

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of high school students feel disengaged at school.

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of low-income first-generation college students drop out of college or delay graduation due to financial insecurity.

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The rapidly growing tech and entertainment sector is 69% white, and only 17% of leaders in this field are people of color.

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Youth need more ways to master skills relevant to the video gaming industry, which generates more revenue than movies and music combined. It’s projected to surpass $300B by 2026.

So we get to work:

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of teachers report that our curriculum is an engaging way to teach students computer science.

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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.

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are students of color, 90% of our students are from low-income households, 50% identify as female, 10% are gender-nonconforming

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of our students create a portfolio of games and digital artifacts, distinguishing their college and job applications no matter their field. They have also earned professional industry certifications from companies like Unity, Microsoft, and Unreal.

Urban Arts was awarded the 2023 Award for Outstanding Service to Public Education from the NEA Foundation.

(Past winner include the NAACP, Fred Rogers, Bill Clinton, NAACP and Billie Jean King)

Unlocking Potential

Students

of our graduating seniors are accepted to college
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in scholarships have been earned by students to date
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full rides in 2024—Yale, MIT, NYU
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Students are matriculating to:

“Urban Arts gave me the tools to think creatively and use my voice in college.”

Our students have won scholarships from:

  • Nagler Scholarship
  • POSSE Foundation
  • Questbridge College Match
  • Generation Google
  • Adobe Design Circle
  • Jack Cooke Kent Foundation
  • ESA Foundation
  • 73 distinct colleges

Unlocking Potential

Alumni

Our Alumni have been hired by: Lucasfilm, Unity Technologies, more.

We’ve employed over 40 of our alumni as Educators, Software Engineers, and Designers, allowing them to pay it forward while getting paid.

We host workshops and seminars taught by top creative industry professionals, creating exceptional and intimate educational moments.

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.

“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.”

Unlocking Potential

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!

Our custom Game On AP CSP curriculum is endorsed by the College Board. Game On is offered freely to eligible Title 1 schools nationally.

CollegeBoard