Austin Area Urban League
The Austin Area Urban League provides tools and programs to support social and economic equity for African Americans and under-served populations in Austin.
Services
The Austin Area Urban League provides a range of services aimed at achieving social and economic equity and equality for African Americans and under-served populations. Their services include Education & Youth Development, Workforce & Career Development, Housing & Community Development, Health & Wellness, and Justice & Advocacy. Each service is catered to address specific needs within the community, from job training to health access programs.
Programs
Austin Area Urban League offers multiple programs tailored to different community needs. The Tech & Career Academy provides in-demand training in business, technology, medical, and trades, and is an approved TWC Career School and College and a Workforce Solutions Training Partner. Other notable programs include the Urban Pathway Home 3 Program for individuals in correctional facilities, the Returning Citizens Advancement Program (RCAP) for formerly incarcerated individuals, the G.A.R.D.E.N. program for sustainable agriculture, and the Urban Youth Empowerment Program for workforce readiness among youth aged 16-19.
Community Events
Austin Area Urban League organizes various community events aimed at education, celebration, and addressing community issues. Freedom Fest is a prominent event that celebrates Juneteenth. They also host events like Dinner & Learn, which cover important topics such as disciplinary action and mental health. These events not only offer a platform for community engagement but also serve to educate and empower attendees.
Workforce and Career Development
The Austin Area Urban League's Workforce & Career Development program includes a variety of job readiness and occupational training programs. These range from Certified Nurse Assistant Training to Welding and Information Technology. The program also provides financial literacy and long-term retention strategies to help individuals sustain employment. Additionally, the program connects participants to healthcare services like Medicaid and MAP, ensuring a holistic approach to workforce development.
Advocacy and Community Impact
The Austin Area Urban League advocates for economic development policies that benefit Black and other communities of color in the Austin metropolitan area. They offer community conversations to address health disparities and other pressing community issues. Through these efforts, the organization aims to drive policy changes and raise awareness about the challenges faced by under-served populations.