The Center for Urban Excellence (CUE), a leading nonprofit organization in Solano County, has been awarded a significant grant as part of the California Workforce Development Board’s Helping Justice-Involved Reenter Employment (HIRE) program. CUE is one of four nonprofits in the region to receive a portion of the $1.4 million in funding, provided by the Workforce Development Board of Solano County, which will be distributed over the next two years. This grant will play a crucial role in expanding CUE’s efforts to support formerly incarcerated and “justice-involved” individuals, helping them to reintegrate into society through workforce development and resilience training programs
Founded in 2016, the Center for Urban Excellence is dedicated to empowering system-involved youth by offering a wide range of services aimed at fostering resilience and wellness. The organization’s mission is to unlock the potential of every youth, preparing them for success in a rapidly changing world. Since its inception, CUE has supported over 560 individuals in Solano and Contra Costa Counties, providing them with the tools and resources they need to build self-confidence, improve academic performance, and develop a positive outlook on their future.
CUE’s approach is deeply rooted in artistic and social-emotional expression, which it believes are essential components of personal and community growth. The organization’s Fostering Resilience Framework, a central aspect of its methodology, equips youth and their families with strategies to overcome adversity and build emotional intelligence. This framework is particularly relevant to the programs supported by the HIRE grant, as it focuses on helping justice-involved individuals not only gain employability skills but also develop the emotional and social competencies necessary for long-term success.
“This program resonates deeply with our core values of fostering resilience and creating opportunities for economic and social mobility,” said Reina M. Robinson, CEO and Founder of the Center for Urban Excellence. “We believe that through holistic art wellness, workforce development, and leadership programs, we can turn adversity into a powerful force for positive change.”
The HIRE grant will enable CUE to expand its services and reach more individuals who have faced significant challenges due to their involvement with the justice system. By integrating the Fostering Resilience Framework into its workforce development programs, CUE aims to provide a comprehensive support system that addresses the unique needs of justice-involved individuals. This approach is designed to help participants not only secure employment but also thrive in their personal and professional lives.
CUE’s commitment to youth empowerment is reflected in its diverse range of programs and initiatives. Over the years, the organization has launched several successful programs, including the Fostering Resilience program, which offers trauma and arts expression training, and the Urban Excellence Convention, which provides culturally relevant guidance to youth affected by mass incarceration and community violence. Additionally, CUE collaborates with various community partners, such as the Museum of Children’s Art and the Oakland Unified School District, to deliver arts integration and media literacy programs.
The organization’s innovative approach to youth development has earned it recognition from numerous entities. One of its notable achievements is the co-authorship of “The Media and Me,” a guide that empowers young adults to become independent and critical media users. This publication is a testament to CUE’s broader mission of fostering critical thinking and media literacy among youth, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
In addition to its educational initiatives, CUE has also established strong partnerships with community organizations to enhance its impact. These collaborations include efforts with the Museum of Children’s Art to integrate the Fostering Resilience Framework into school-based programs, as well as partnerships with local nonprofits to provide mentoring and support services to justice-involved youth.
The HIRE grant represents a significant milestone for CUE, as it underscores the organization’s growing influence in the field of youth development and its commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces where young minds can thrive. As CUE continues to expand its reach, the organization remains steadfast in its vision of a world where every individual has the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of their circumstances or background.
With the support of the HIRE grant, CUE is well-positioned to make a lasting difference in the lives of justice-involved youth in Solano County and beyond. The organization’s holistic approach, which combines workforce development with resilience training, provides a powerful model for helping individuals overcome adversity and build a brighter future.
For more information about the Center for Urban Excellence and its programs, please visit https://www.centerforurbanexcellence.org. You can also connect with CUE on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Published by: Khy Talara
