From Opportunity to Impact: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders with Urban Alliance
Through the years, we’ve hosted several programs with Urban Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to preparing young people for lifelong economic independence. This work is done through paid internships, mentorship, and professional development opportunities that help bridge the gap between education and real-world experience.
Most recently, Urban Alliance students and alumni had the opportunity to hear from Arsha Jones, a D.C. native and the CEO and co-founder of Capital City Mambo Sauce, one of D.C. United's official partners! This intimate fireside chat gave students the chance to learn about Jones' journey as an entrepreneur and ask her questions directly. After the conversation, they enjoyed the match at Audi Field and even got to try the official Capital City Mambo Sauce.
Opportunity, one of D.C. United Community Impact's core pillars, is about more than access. It’s about advancing economic mobility, fostering diversity and inclusion, and opening real pathways for success. Our partnership with Urban Alliance is about more than just helping a young person get their foot in the door, it is about truly investing in the next generation of leaders.
Most of us have been there. And being given an opportunity easily changed the trajectory of your future. Whether it was your mentor that spoke your name in rooms you were not in, or the opportunity that catapulted your career, those experiences shape who we ultimately become as professionals. Urban Alliance is that opportunity for more than 6,000 high school students. Since its inception in 1996, the work of Urban Alliance has impacted more than 30,000 young adults from the ages of 16 through 24 years old. Their internship program works to place high school seniors and alumni in paid internships while also sharpening their skills ahead of them entering school or the workforce.
"Urban Alliance has been transformational for me. It shaped the early years of my professional journey by giving me the chance to intern in my desired career field both in high school and after college. Their alumni program supported me with resume workshops and job search help, which made a huge difference. Returning as a mentor was an unexpected full circle moment and one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had," shared Urban Alliance Alum and DC Power Football Club Graphic Designer, Jasmiahya Young.
Whether Urban Alliance students are shadowing D.C. United staff on matchday, learning how to navigate a professional workplace, or gaining the confidence to lead, these students are building skills that will serve them for a lifetime. To play a part in their journey is something we will remain committed to.
These are more than just memories; they are moments that will influence their professional journey.
To learn more about Urban Alliance, click HERE.
