The National Promise Neighborhoods Coalition Welcomes New Member: Urban Strategies, Inc.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 15, 2024) - The National Promise Neighborhoods Coalition (NPNC) is proud to announce the addition of its newest member, Urban Strategies, Inc. (USI). Headquartered in St. Louis, USI is a national nonprofit leader and transformative force in community development, championing equity and innovation across 60 communities in 41 metropolitan areas, including two territories. As part of the coalition, USI will collaborate with like-minded entities to amplify the impact of place-based initiatives that improve outcomes for children and families in St. Louis and beyond.
USI’s mission is that all children and families will be stable and thriving. As key pillars of USI’s portfolio of work, housing and education are inextricably linked. All scholars growing up in communities supported by USI will have access to high performing schools and high-quality cradle to career education resources necessary to reach their full potential. As an Annie E. Casey Foundation Results Count hub, USI brings over 45 years of experience in transforming disinvested communities through data-driven, people-centered strategies. USI's 63106 Promise to Success Initiative in St. Louis, funded by a U.S. Department of Education Promise Neighborhood grant, exemplifies its commitment to creating cradle-to-career pipelines that ensure every child's success.
“On behalf of the Coalition, I am honored to welcome Urban Strategies, Inc.,” said Jenna Meglen, Co-Chair of the Coalition. “Their widespread work in Missouri truly changes lives and advances the Promise Neighborhoods’ mission to invest in every child and further their success. We are proud to see the Coalition grow with USI.”
“Joining the National Promise Neighborhoods Coalition represents an exciting opportunity to share our expertise and learn from our peers,” said Donovan Duncan, Executive Vice President at Urban Strategies Inc. “Together, we can advocate for policies and resources that catalyze lasting change in the communities we serve.”
The Coalition is now composed of seven leading Promise Neighborhood organizations across six states. By aligning efforts, the coalition aims to demonstrate the power of place-based, community-driven solutions in closing opportunity gaps and fostering upward mobility.
Urban Strategies Inc. looks forward to collaborating with coalition members to advance educational equity, economic mobility, and healthy futures for all.
To learn more about USI's work and impact, please visit www.usi-inc.org.
###
About Urban Strategies, Inc.
Urban Strategies, Inc. is a national nonprofit with extensive experience in implementing place-based human capital development strategies in communities that are undergoing comprehensive physical revitalization. USI supports communities while working with community partners to develop equity-centered, data-driven approaches to invest in resident priorities and foster thriving neighborhoods.
About the National Promise Neighborhoods Coalition
The founding members of the Coalition (Mission Economic Development Agency, Partners for Rural Impact, SBCS, and Delta Health Alliance) joined together in late 2022, in partnership with the William Julius Wilson Institute at Harlem Children’s Zone and Save the Children. Now, joined by Omega CDC and the Northside Achievement Zone, these high-performing programs lead the Coalition in building strong bipartisan relationships in Congress, the Department of Education, and the White House; increasing federal funding for Promise Neighborhood programs; improving federal policies impacting Promise Neighborhood programs; and creating a community of best practices for Promise Neighborhood providers.
Contact: