The Urban Entertainment Institute in Los Angeles is an after-school arts program that teaches music, dance, vocals, digital/sound recording engineering, theatrical, piano, art lessons, musical performance and songwriting to inner-city, single-parent, and foster home young people whose others options amounts to hanging out on the streets, and many times getting into trouble. This nonprofit organization has made a positive impact not only on the kids, but on the community, and is saving lives by changing lives, giving students what they need most: love, encouragement, and the tools to bring out their best qualities and talents. Students learn the ins and outs of the entertainment business such as technical support, organizing operating a successful merchandising and marketing program.
Each year, Urban Entertainment Institute provides students with networking opportunities and exposure to accomplished musicians, artists, actors, business managers and agents. They showcase their talents in local and national performances and tours in an effort to raise funds for college scholarships and to prepare them for careers in the entertainment industry. Fred Martin, founder and President of UEI, Is the first to say that dreams really do come true… "As long as you believe in yourself and never, ever give up." Urban Entertainment Institute's FREE after-school programs are a safe and encouraging place to go where kids can learn how to better their lives, and they have fun doing it.
FRED: "I know that if kids are not doing something constructive, they're going to hang out and, they are hanging out on the streets. We have a dance studio and full recording studio, and we charge absolutely nothing. All you need to be in this program is to want to make a change. We have many wonderful people and many celebrities who join our students. Our program is not just about singing and dancing. We give young people away out. We build their self-respect, and once that happens, we don't have to worry about them making wrong choices. There's not a word in the dictionary that can express the feeling you get helping them; I couldn't even tell you how it makes me feel."
Fred's dedication to improving the lives of kids has put the UEI organization front and center on television shows across the country, including Dr. Phil. UEI reaches kids who otherwise maybe dragged down by overwhelming forces that surround them. UEI's influence on students is incredible. Overall, students' interest, energy, learning, grades, and test scores have improved dramatically, and impressively.
UEI is the first performance arts program to scale its reach through technology using Cisco's TelePresence, a unique partnership with Cisco Systems, offering UEI the opportunity to bring Music to a World Without Borders.
Victoria Natkin Goodman, President of VNG, is the Creative Director of UEI.
VICTORIA: "I've always loved working with young people and mentoring. The impact of adults, teachers and community leaders who reached out to me as a youth still guiding me as an adult today. I've seen the huge impact that Fred Martin, UEI and VNG have had on the youth in our Los Angeles community. As we grow our online, after-school and hands-on programs that put self-esteem, music, art and giving back at the forefront of everything we do – so will the landscape of our lives. We are changing lives every day, leading by example and making the world a better place. My motto has always been that we rise by lifting others."
For further information on how you can become involved in the life-changing experience of UEI please visit the Urban Entertainment Institute site: http://www.urbanentertainmentinstitute.org