URBAN LEAGUE OF
METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

Empowering Communities. Changing  Lives. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Since 1918.

In 1918, a small group of black and white St. Louisans came together and founded the Urban League of St. Louis in reaction to the East St. Louis race riot. Today, the Urban League provides a Roadmap To Equality for African Americans and others through partnerships with a variety of corporations, community leaders, governmental and civic institutions. Because of the support of others they are able to stand on the front line of strengthening communities and diffusing racial tensions.

The St. Louis League is the largest League in the nation and the first to earn a five-star rating and one of two in the country to provide services in two states, Illinois and Missouri. It serves over 100,000 individuals annually, from its 16 facilities and 60 different programs.

The Urban League Advocates for and Empowers African Americans and others in Metropolitan St Louis by pursuing the following priorities:

To learn more about the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, please visit https://www.ulstl.com/.

Uplifting and Empowering Americans Since 1910

The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment, equality, and social justice. Founded in 1910 and headquartered in New York City, the Urban League collaborates at the national and local levels with community leaders, policymakers, and corporate partners to elevate the standards of living for African Americans and other historically underserved groups.

With 90 affiliates serving 300 communities in 37 states and the District of Columbia, the Urban League spearheads the development of social programs and authoritative public policy research, and advocate for policies and services that close the equality gap. At the community level, the National Urban League and its affiliates provide direct services that improve the lives of more than two million people annually.

Our Mission

To help African-Americans and others in underserved communities achieve their highest true social parity, economic self- reliance, power, and civil rights. The League promotes economic empowerment through education and job training, housing and community development, workforce development, entrepreneurship, health, and quality of life.

Foundation Goals 

Education & Youth Development 

Every American child is ready for college, work, and life

Jobs, Entrepreneurship, & Business Development 

Every American has access to jobs with a living wage and good benefits

Housing & Community Development 

Every American lives in safe, decent, affordable and energy-efficient housing on fair terms

Health & Quality of Life 

Every American has access to quality and affordable healthcare solutions

Justice & Civic Engagement 

Every American has an equal right and responsibility to fully participate in our democracy and civic processes, and all people have a right to justice and fairness.

The National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP) is a National Urban League volunteer auxiliary that targets young professionals ages 21-40 to empower their communities and change lives through the Urban League Movement. The National Urban League Young Professionals: YP EMPOWERED!!

Our mission is to support the Urban League Movement through our volunteerism, philanthropy and membership development. NULYP began with people just like you – people looking for an opportunity to make a difference. Your opportunity to continue that legacy starts now. There is never a more urgent time for people who possess your talent, drive and compassion to join this Movement as a Young Profession. If you are ready to make a difference, contribute to the progress of achieving equality, develop as a person, professional and leader, then make that move and GET YPEMPOWERED! 

NULYP Programs:

• Join Week NULYP: Join Week is a mechanism to increase awareness and involvement in NULYP chapters by Young Professionals in their communities through a concentrated "blitz" of activity.
• National Day Of Empowerment: National Day of Empowerment is a partnership between the National Urban League of Young Professionals (NULYP) and the National Council of Guilds. On this day chapters throughout the country bring awareness to a topic of relevance. In recent years we have focused on the U.S. census, financial security, generational wealth, and real estate. The goal is to host events that foster financial wellness and empowerment within our communities.
• National Day Of Service: Each spring, National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP) chapters nationwide celebrate service by joining together to promote comprehensive STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) educational opportunities and mentoring. By planning activities that expose black and minority communities, particularly youth, to fields they are underrepresented in, chapters generate excitement and awareness. Chapters partner with organizations in the fields of STEAM and mentoring. Past events include STEAM career fairs and panels, trips to museums for hands-on experiences, and interactive workshops hosted by companies such as Microsoft and Apple. 
• YP Fit: YP Fit is an initiative that encourages healthy living for NULYP members and the communities we service. Our approach to wellness is holistic with the goal of connecting the mind, body, and spirit. Chapters throughout the country participate in fitness challenges, awareness campaigns and blog series.