Unleashing Potential

Unleashing Potential (UP) works every day to establish an equitable foundation that leads to long-term success for children of color living in under-resourced St. Louis communities. UP's mission is to close the opportunity gap for kids and families in the St. Louis area by building on their strengths so that they can reach their highest potential. We create educational and empowering experiences through early childhood education, after school programs, youth development and enrichment camps. Our work gives students and their families the opportunity to have successful outcomes throughout life. 

UP advances equity in education by providing tuition-relief for students, on-site physical and occupational therapy, access to high-quality social-emotional and academic education, access to technology, and place-based learning.  

By offering innovative educational and empowering concepts to children and their families, we are celebrating and investing in the resiliency of our Black and Brown families. UP's programs anchor families and aid in neighborhood stabilization. Our comprehensive programs offer a variety of lessons - including conflict resolution, emotional regulation, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), homework help, swimming, and a plethora of other fun and educational activities.

Please give generously on this #give828 day. Our programs are important, not just for each child, but for our region. You can help improve graduation rates and improve student confidence. UP aims to increase the number of youths of color accessing high-quality out-of-school educational experiences strengthen the education pipeline. The result is an increased likelihood of our young scholars graduating from high school and succeeding in college. Thank you!

About Unleashing Potential:

Our leadership and staff reflect the racial diversity of our children we serve. Of our staff of 67 employees, 79% of staff identify as African American, 9% as Caucasian, 4% Bi/Multi Racial, and 1% Asian. Multiple staff are former participants/students of our services or have children currently enrolled. Staff are knowledgeable of the communities as many grew up in or currently live in the communities that we impact. 

Our President and CEO, Chief Program Officer, and Vice President of Development are all African American women. Our executive leadership identifies as African American (75%) and Caucasian (25%). 

Founded in 1913, UP (formerly Board for Inner-City Missions, then Neighborhood Houses, now Unleashing Potential) provided critical services for working class and immigrant populations and addressed the issues of poor education for children. Pastors, Deaconess Sisters, and church members connected with the United Church of Christ, canvassed St. Louis City to identify the needs of the communities. UP was founded as part of a settlement house movement to provide children and families with support needed for a just community for all.     

In 2018, the agency’s name changed to Unleashing Potential, to capture the heart of its work with children. While our name changed, our mission remained the same–to provide high-quality educational opportunities for under-resourced youth. UP is motivated by a strong desire to see children from under-resourced communities become successful learners and productive citizens. Our vision is to inspire children in collaboration with dedicated staff, service partners, and empowered parents.

Please visit our website for more info: https://upstl.org/