WE NEED YOU TO SUPPORT THE URBAN YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM (UYEP)
TELL CONGRESS TO SAVE AT RISK YOUTH!

“The UYEP has helped me keep my mind focused on the positive instead of the negative. I use to be a high school dropout. Because of UYEP I have been employed as a mason apprentice/journeyman for the past two years.”
Damario, 20 years old
UYEP Class of 2005-06

WHAT IS THE URBAN YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM?

UYEP is a federally funded program through the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Responsible Reintegration of Youthful Offender Program that targets “at risk” and adjudicated youths between the ages of 18-21.  Urban League of Central Carolinas is one of only 23 sites across the United States to operate this program. We build hope and financial stability for our participants.  We accomplish our goals with the following outcomes:

• Full-time employment
• Full-time enrollment in college
• GED attainment
• Gains in math and reading scores
• Reduction of incarceration and increase in productive citizenship

Our participants come from diverse and challenging backgrounds.  55% of our enrollees were high school dropouts with no prospects for a job or higher education.  64% of our female participants were single mothers without high school credentials.  Though the challenges are great, our local UYEP boast some of the highest gains in the nation.  In fact, during fiscal year 2006-07, 72% of all participants completed the program and 84% of those completions resulted in enrollment in higher education (college or trade) or fulltime employment. Through our public and private partnerships we have exceeded our goals for average hourly wages at 133% (33% above goal).

THIS PROGRAM SOUNDS GREAT, WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Because of the program’s successes, Congress has wisely expanded this program in the recent 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill under the Reintegration of Ex-Offenders Program.  However, there is no guarantee that the Department of Labor will authorize dollars for the program.  Through this program, the Urban League of Central Carolinas brings $420,000 of youth program dollars into our Charlotte/Mecklenburg region each year.  Without this funding, hundreds of young people may face incarceration instead of lives of hope and prosperity.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

We request that you write a letter to your local representatives urging them to write DOL Secretary Elaine Chao requesting that UYEP be renewed for another three years.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact
Urban League of Central Carolinas
UYEP Campaign
740 West 5^th Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
www.urbanleaguecc.org
(704) 373-2256, ext. 203