Thank you to the NEA Foundation for honoring Urban Arts with the 2023 FNBO Award for Outstanding Service to Public Education. This places Urban Arts in the prestigious company of past winners the NAACP, the American Indian College Fund, Title IX advocate Billie Jean King and Sesame Street Workshop.

Urban Arts CEO Philip Courtney spoke at the annual Salute to Excellence in Education Gala in Washington, DC May 5. “Thank you, Sara Sneed, the NEA Foundation & @FNBO for this tremendous award. It is an honor to be in the company of such distinguished recipients.”

“Urban Arts is making a vital contribution to a more equitable public education system by providing transformative learning experiences to underrepresented students,” said Sara A. Sneed, president and CEO of The NEA Foundation. “As the influence of technology on our society grows, the Foundation applauds Urban Arts’ efforts to meet students where they are and help them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world and economy.”

This outstanding service award pays tribute to those who have significantly increased understanding of public education or have otherwise dedicated themselves to serving educators and students. The whole release is here!

And Philip’s charming speech, with walk-on music by Van Halen, is here.