Grantee Database

Center for Urban Excellence

Grant Year

2023-24

Grant Program

General Operating Support

Award Amount

$38,499.00

Project Description

With support from the California Arts Council, the Center for Urban Excellence will sustain and enhance its robust arts-infused programs designed to empower marginalized youth in Solano and Contra Costa Counties. CAC grant funds will be instrumental in covering essential operating expenses, including rent, utilities, and Teaching Artist staff salaries. These resources will ensure the continuation of impactful initiatives like our ‘Art is Resilience’ program, our partnership with the Museum of Children’s Art, and our Fostering Resilience training, all designed to foster creativity, resilience, and leadership among our youth participants. In maintaining our operations, we continue to cultivate an environment where art serves as a tool for self-expression, resilience, and community connection, while also expanding our outreach to more communities with high needs across the East Bay Area.

Organization Summary

At the Center for Urban Excellence (CUE), our core programs and services are organized around five connected pillars that empower system-impacted youth, young adults, and families through healing, leadership, and opportunity.

Healing Arts Education: We provide creative outlets and artistic skill-building through poetry, spoken word, emcee and movement classes, and visual/mixed-media workshops, including opportunities for performances and exhibitions. Program: Art is Resilience (poetry and visual arts) in partnership with three Golden Gate Community Schools and Contra Costa County Office of Education.

Fostering Resilience Framework and Training: We equip youth with practical resilience tools through mindfulness, arts-based activities, stress management techniques, and problem-solving strategies that support emotional regulation and healthy coping.

Youth Leadership Development: Through our Fostering Resilience: Youth Leadership Program, youth build leadership skills through mentorship, community service projects, and training that supports them as agents of change.

College and Career Readiness: In partnership with the California & Solano County Workforce Development Board, we prepare youth and young adults for college and employment through post secondary exploration, college application and financial aid support, career counseling, and job readiness training.

Critical Media Literacy Workshops: We strengthen young people’s ability to navigate today’s media landscape by teaching them to critically analyze media and make informed decisions using The Media and Me: A Critical Media Literacy Guide for Young People, which our CEO Reina Robinson co-authored.

Organization

Center for Urban Excellence

Address

PO BOX 5543

VALLEJO

94591-0555

County

Solano

Region

Capital

Website

Email

Congressional District

California's 8th Congressional District

State Assembly District

California's 11th State Assembly district

State Senate District

Senate District 3

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