• A diverse group of people gathered at a celebration in a decorated outdoor space with hanging flowers and potted plants, smiling at the camera. In the foreground, there are plates of food including strawberries and pastries, with someone holding a bouquet of flowers.
  • Group of people gathered in front of the California State Capitol building with a large banner that reads 'CA RISE' and 'California for Social Enterprise'.
  • Group of women standing in a line in front of an audience at an indoor event. The women are dressed in semi-formal attire and are smiling. The audience is clapping and engaging with the speakers. Decorated posters are on the wall.

urban university is an award-winning non-profit organization.

urban university is a 501c3 nonprofit working to improve the socioeconomic status of impoverished individuals by providing employability training, coaching and employment opportunities. Over the past 27 years, we’ve successfully delivered workforce development training and coaching services to prepare more than 2,000 low-income individuals for successful entry into the workforce.

We Support Single Mothers By:

  • A smiling woman with dark hair in a bun, wearing star-shaped earrings, a white turtleneck, and a burgundy blazer, standing outside a storefront with glass window. The window displays the words 'the workshop by urban university' and has various posters, with reflections of a street scene including cars and trees.

    Helping Them Realize Their Power

  • Four smiling people standing together at a social gathering, with a lush indoor garden background, three women and one man wearing casual and semi-formal attire.

    Being In Community With Them

  • A smiling woman wearing glasses, a black Guns N' Roses T-shirt, and a gray business suit standing on a sidewalk, with storefronts, parked cars, and autumn trees in the background.

    Showing Them A Path To Upward Mobility

  • Two women standing indoors at a social gathering, smiling at the camera. The woman on the left has red hair, is wearing a large black hat and a colorful, patterned dress. The woman on the right has dark hair, is wearing a patterned shirt and a maroon apron, holding a drink in her right hand. In the background, other people are mingling and talking.

    Giving Them Leadership Opportunities

  • Group of women of diverse ethnicities smiling inside a clothing store, with colorful clothes hanging on racks around them.

    Supporting Them In Building Resilience

Ways To Engage

Storefront with green frame, black iron gate on left, and a wooden sign above reading 'URBAN Furniture & Boutique' adorned with flowers.

SHOP WITH IMPACT

  • We operate urban furniture & boutique in the heart of Oakland’s Grand / Lakeshore Business District. All items for sale have been donated by the community and 100% of profits go toward the support of our programs.

A group of diverse people gathered outdoors in a decorated patio area, smiling for a photo. There are tables with food and desserts in front, including strawberries and pastries, and floral arrangements are visible as decorations.

VOLUNTEER WITH US

  • We are in need of individual supporters of all skill types and levels. From volunteering at the store or on a committee, we welcome everyone who seeks to contribute in big and small ways.

A woman with red curly hair wearing a black t-shirt that says 'urban university' standing inside a boutique or home goods store with wooden and wire decor, jewelry, and decorative items displayed on shelves behind her.

SUPPORT SINGLE MOTHERS

  • urban university is a federally registered 501c3 non-profit organization. (EIN: 94-3298411) All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

  • We accept gently used furniture, home goods, and clothing for resale at our store during store hours. Donations are tax exempt and receipts are provided.