UEI is designed to empower boys to become responsible men and productive members of their families and communities.
The Fifth Ward is one of Houston’s more economically distressed neighborhoods and is greatly affected by the urban problems of gang violence, drug abuse, high teen pregnancy rates, school dropout, and crime. The Urban Enrichment Institute – UEI (formerly the Fifth Ward Enrichment Program Incorporated -FWEP) attempts to help participants redirect their energies into positive goals for the future rather than falling into the destructive path taken by many youth. They are taught to value education, delay gratification, view life as sacred, and set responsible priorities. Males acquire social and leadership skills through male role models, mentoring techniques, academic support, and therapeutic activities. In addition, they learn the importance of respect and communication in their relationships with others, specifically women.
UEI is a youth leadership and development program for at-risk males, ages 12 – 19, strategically located in one of Houston’s most economically depressed neighborhoods, so that we can directly serve the community in need.
UEI’s core program ‘The School-Based Projects’ truly defines the holistic approach to youth development that UEI embraces. This project is housed in five schools in the Houston Independent School District’s (HISD) Northeast District and provides site- coordinators who monitor school activities, interact with teachers and administrators, and coordinate daily, after-school activities. The site-coordinators are responsible for the delivery of the life skills curriculum, home visits, and individual/group counseling sessions. The site coordinator is recognized by the school’s youth as their mentor “on campus”.