The Urban League of Greater Madison is transforming Greater Madison into the Best Place in the Midwest for everyone to LEARN by building a pipeline of high quality cradle to career educational services that impact the entire family, eliminate the achievement and education gaps, move all children towards high performance, and prepare youth and adults for post-secondary and career success.

The Urban League is one of Dane County’s largest providers of programs aimed at increasing student achievement in core academic areas and preparing them to realize their college and career dreams. Serving more than 2,000 youth annually, our programs offer school-based academic tutoring, college preparation, career exposure, youth leadership skill development, employment skills training, career awareness internships, scholarships and much more.

Schools of Hope
One-on-one and small group academic tutoring helps prepare youth for algebra and expand their post-secondary educational options. As a key part of the United Way’s Agenda for Change, the Schools of Hope program operates in 12 middle schools and 6 high schools across 4 Dane County school districts.

21st Century Careers Program
A key strategy for exposing low-income, first-generation college students to the importance and accessibility of higher education. Through a comprehensive curriculum youth receive academic support, explore college and career options, visit college campuses, and learn job skills and career pathways through summer career awareness internships. The 21st Century Careers Program operates in 4 Madison and 2 Sun Prairie Middle Schools.

Angler Education Program
This summer, in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), The Urban League of Greater Madison is connecting our local community to the environment through youth fishing clubs. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Outstanding Young Person Breakfast
A community celebration that promotes academic achievement, leadership, and community service by recognizing area youth with MLK Scholarships, Madison Metropolitan School District's Mann Scholar Awards, and Outstanding Young Person Awards.

Youth Resource Centers (a partnership with MSCR)
Through a collaborative arrangement with MMSD’s School-Community Recreation Department, ULGM helps operate Youth Resource Centers in 7 MMSD schools. Each center serves hundreds of children daily by providing homework and special interest clubs, leadership development opportunities, and recreational activities during the high-risk after school hours.

Madison Preparatory Academy
Madison Preparatory Academy for Young Men and Madison Preparatory Academy for Young Women are two proposed public charter schools being developed by the Urban League of Greater Madison. Madison Prep will serve as a catalyst for change and opportunity, particularly young men and women of color. Its mission is to prepare scholars for success at a four year college by instilling excellence, pride, leadership and service.