About Us

Our Mission & Vision

In Chicago Public Schools, only 18 percent of incoming ninth graders enroll in four-year universities after high school, and only eight percent are expected to graduate from college by age 25. Urban Students Empowered (US Empowered) is a rapidly expanding movement dedicated to systemically changing these statistics throughout Chicago and beyond.

To do this, we identify and train highly effective teachers to lead students attending non-selective high schools in low-income communities to enroll in and graduate from college. We envision a day when every student has an opportunity to graduate from college.  

Our Core Values

There are five core values that guide our work. We are mission-driven and disciplined in thought and action. We also operate in relentless pursuit of excellence, with an eye on collective responsibility and sustainable success. Please click here to learn more.

"It happened. I got a response back from three out of eight colleges I applied to. I was so happy; I actually cried. I felt like that was the first time in a long time that I was actually proud of myself - thanks US Empowered."

-Shala, Class of 2013