Mission Statement
The mission of the Urban Experience Program (UEP) complements the larger mission of the University of Houston by expanding opportunities for educationally and economically underserved citizens.

UEP strives to create academic opportunities for participants in the program in concert with community and corporate networking and support. The multifaceted components of the program promote scholarship, community service, and personal and professional development; through mentorship and internship as a conduit for the development of well-trained professionals.

UEP is a unique collaborative endeavor of the University of Houston, the Houston community and corporate sponsors. UEP is designed to simultaneously address the needs of the underrepresented student population and the changing dynamics of the American workforce. UEP prepares students for entry into the workforce by combining educational opportunities with valuable internship experiences.

Services

• internships
• community service
• tutoring
• mentoring
• cultural enrichment activities
• on-campus housing (on a limited basis)
• contractual obligations between students, parents and UH
• academic success workshops
• career development activities
• personal development workshops
• monitoring to insure academic success

This endeavor results in improved grades and higher graduation rates for Urban Experience Program participants.

Student Profile
Participants are selected on the basis of demonstrated or potential ability for campus leadership, community service, and academic achievement. The selection process includes an application, an essay, interviews with candidates and their parents or guardians, demonstrated financial need and exceptional life challenges in pursuing higher education. In addition, all participants must be degree-seeking UH students who contractually agree to abide by the terms of the program and participate in all evaluation activities.