Our Programs
Umi is dedicated to empowering youth and families through a comprehensive suite of programs designed to foster personal growth, leadership, and success. These initiatives are carefully crafted to address various aspects of development including kinship building, talent cultivation, collective progress, heritage discovery, and educational excellence.
Kinship Building
More than a Mentor
The More Than a Mentor program is the cornerstone of our commitment to fostering deep-rooted kinship within our community. It acknowledges the traditional role of mentorship that often begins with those closes to us; creating lifelong relationships that grow far beyond current mentorship relationships. Umi builds on the foundation of the 'it takes a village' belief in Black culture by pairing youth with a team of caring adults who we referr to as 'Umies', not mentors, to establish relationships for youth and their families that project trustworthiness and offer a sense of belonging, leaving an imprint that last a lifetime.
Heritage Discovery
Authentic
Focused on enhancing the cultural identity of Black and Brown youth, Authentic addresses the limited opportunities these individuals have to explore their heritage in conventional educational environments. By offering customized heritage discovery activities and education, this initiative aims to bridge that gap. It empowers participants, promotes stronger community connections, and equips them with the will to achieve their success. By fostering a sense of pride and belonging, the program prepares participants to navigate the world with confidence and creativity.
Talent Cultivation
Umi's Career Closet
Umi's Career Closet is an empowering initiative that focuses on preparing youth to excel. Recognizing systemic barriers, the program aims to dismantle challenges and create a level playing field. This program is not just about career exposure and preparation; it's a commitment to nurturing the inherent talent within each young person and fostering their development as productive citizens. Umi's Career Closet embodies Umi's dedication to nurturing talent and empowering youth to become formidable contenders.
Collective Progress
Good Trouble
Good Trouble is a shining beacon in Umi’s mission, lighting the way for collective progress for our youth, their families, and our broader community. This program is a powerful catalyst, sparking the passion in our youth to stand up, step forward, and shape their communities for the better, driving the positive change we all wish to see in society. Good Trouble acknowledges the social challenges that disproportionately affect communities like ours. By empowering our youth and their families and equipping them with the necessary tools and resources, the program aims to dismantle systemic obstacles and promote equity and systemic change.
Educational Excellence
Success in School
Umi's Success in School program is an integral part of our mission to support the educational excellence and personal growth of the youth we serve. By addressing the unique challenges these students face in educational settings, the program aims to create nurturing environments where they feel empowered, seen, and have a sense of belonging. Collaborating closely with Newport News Public Schools, Umi serves as a steadfast partner in fostering a positive school culture and academic excellence. This program supports educational excellence by providing free tutoring, study sessions, and skill development in study habits and SOL exam preparation. It aims to create environments where Black students feel empowered and have a sense of belonging.