UPI is exemplary of the integrity and trust earned through professionalism and demonstrated consistency. I am encouraged to find the mission critical participation of UPI as I feel it offers the positive motivation and means to meet the goals of participants as needed. The only room for growth or improvement is the need to replicate UPI’s model nationwide. This is the positive direction we have been waiting for and I look forward to the upward trajectory and movement that UPI represents.Monica Conner
As a retired Educator, and STEM advisor, I can say that UPI Education is having a transformative impact on the lives of our young people. The skills that are developed have and will benefit them for a lifetime. UPI Education programs unlock vaults of human potential. The blessings to our communities have a multiplier effect.
UPI Education is a phenomenal organization and worthy of a 5+++ star rating! I've known the founders for several years and have much respect for their entire leadership team. The prolific work that they do for our youth is paramount to success within all of our communities. Through their Life Skills Training and other programs, UPI Education is teaching a plethora of critical skills, including the value of self-empowerment, self-coaching, self-reliance and accountability, which are the cornerstones to developing productive and kind humans. This is a benefit to us all and helps secure positive legacies for our future and theirs. This dedicated organization is top-notch, world-class, and worthy of recognition and support!
A unique model in the education and training space with a 360 degree focus on creating impact within communities of color across the nation through leveraging mission aligned partnerships.
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Dedicated leaders serving the needs of an overlooked and often ignored segment of the population and market. With the announcement and launch of their UPI Loan Fund, UPI continues to push the envelope in addressing the education and income and wealth gaps that exist in America. Troy Prince, CEO & Founder of Wall Street Bound, Inc
The founder, leadership team and partners are hard working and dedicated to breaking the glass ceiling to help fund low income communities and especially people of color.
UPI is the real deal. Promises made, promises kept. They have assisted my family member in her quest to be a medical doctor. She graduated college, Summa Cum Laude and is now getting practical medical experience before starting Medical School
I have had the privilege of working with several of the board members from UPI and have known them to work with integrity, compassion, and initiative. I look forward to UPI's growth and the inevitable positive impact it will have on many.
The entire organization is built on strong ideals and they are consistent in all that they do. They provide opportunities for underfunded communities that otherwise would not have them. I am a long-time supporter of UPI and their work and always will be.
They take the time to speak with people on an individual level and are actively creating partnerships to expand and reach more people. Their growth in just the past year alone is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the leadership team and organization as a whole.
UPI is actively helping to "Make it a better world!". The leadership is the highest quality and always dedicated to helping those in poverty rise up and become a productive part of our society. My experience has exceeded all possible expectations regarding helping others!
UPI’s unique and groundbreaking work in assisting underserved communities is an incredible template for the world! This is truly impact investing at the basic level! Empowering the underserved with respect and dignity through a diverse group of human capital and financial resources! It’s my humble to know and work with such a powerful, innovative and impactful organization that is life changing!!!
After applying to larger institutions and being denied many times, I realized that many institutions were only providing funds to businesses with employees. As a Solopreneur, I am very grateful to the UPI Fund because they were a God-Send for being the first organization to approve funding for the Setay Dance and Fitness rent payment that was approaching its due date during the first round of COVID-19.
As a result, this gave me an opportunity to prove to my landlord that I was doing my best to keep my payments up which allowed them to being working with me to identify a solution that helped sustain my business.
They are a very professional organization that has always follow through on it's promises and commitments to individuals and to the community at large. Their education and financial funding/literacy initiatives far exceed any other programs currently available in the U.S.
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Everyone I've done business with at UPI has been very professional and results oriented. We are working with them to dovetail their UPI Life Skills Solutions program into our Youth Express Co-op for youth under 18 to learn how to start and operate their own business. Based on my experience, I highly recommend UPI to other results oriented organizations and groups looking to empower local individuals and communities.
UPI is the most fantastic non-profit I've had the privilege to work with. Their leadership team is proving to be the innovative thought leaders of the industry. They are, without doubt, the benchmark for performance technology.
UPI Education Inc, is all about creating opportunities for minority communities that, due to the history of racial and economic inequities, have not been able to access the resources needed to support and improve the health, wellness, and vibrancy of minority, disadvantaged, businesses/communities.
Through the UPI Loan Program and other key initiatives, UPI is providing the community with access to resources and opportunities to build long-term sustainability!
UPI Education has been serving the community for more than 17 years. Their dedication has been unprecedented for providing life skills, financial wellness, and opportunity for affordable loans.
UPI provides counsel, resources, and support that impacts families and communities. I’ve been blessed to participate in their engagement services that have helped me be more impactful in my personal and business life.
The Unified Progress International (UPI) Education, Inc. is an impressive organization that is comprised of dedicated leadership, specifically Mr. Frank Crump, and highly experienced members to achieve educational and business success within national and international communities of interest. it is creative, inspirational, guiding, and incredibly supportive for fully established businesses or those considering a start-up business. In addition, UPI provides opportunities to grow and learn about other partners, which encourages development in the expansion of knowledge-based experiences. Any individual or group would benefit greatly when collaborating or partnering with UPI.
UPI Education is one of the best non profits in the US I feel because they walk the walk and talk the talk. They support with education, training and so much more. I would recommend them for an award. They are people of integrity and believe in community.
The best run group I have ever worked with. They understand the communities they serve and make all the members of the their team better leaders.
UPI constantly strives to broaden its resources, tools and outreach for communities. It recognizes problems in our nation and goes to work to find solutions. I’m proud to volunteer for this group whenever they ask. This organization is going to grow, evolve and become a worldwide leader in lifting up marginalized communities and bringing financial support to qualified individuals.
I've been extremely impressed with UPI Education. In my 35 years experience working with educational institutions and nonprofit organizations, I have found UPI's social benefit vision and execution on that vision to be second to none!
Frank Crump, founder of UPI Education, has been a trusted friend and mentor of mine for over 30 years. UPI embodies values of honesty, hardwork, inclusiveness, fairness and making the world a better place for those disadvantaged by their own personal circumstances. It is gratifying to see the UPI loan fund now in operation which will improve the lives for so many. This is why I have supported UPI as a Board member and I continue to heartily endorse the work of the entire UPI team!!
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As a member of the Board of Advisors for many years, I am a big believer in the mission fo UPI. Helping to mentor, guide and steer our at risk youth is one of the best ways to ensure a better future for them and for our communities. UPI is making an impact and I am proud to be associated with their efforts!
UPI is a professional group of community and corporate leaders who demonstrate
care and responsiveness in educating youth, funding and facilitating education for the community and abroad. Frank Crump has mentored me for years and shows a willingness
to make a change for those disenfranchised from education and economic roadblocks.
Marva Morris
After weeks of researching, applying and being denied (because I was a Solopreneur) for every grant that was available when the pandemic started, Unified Progress International (UPI) was the first organization to finally offer my business, SETAY Dance and Fitness financial assistance with the payment of my business' rent that was behind.
As a result, my business was able to hang on financially until the Government finally identified a process for Solopreneurs to be able to file and obtain financial assistance to reopen my business after being shut down for five months.
UPI has been a dedicated resource to positively impact communities.
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Nonprofits are not created equal and that's why UPI stands out from the crowd. UPI is led by a team that is purpose-driven and that possesses the common goals of improving families, impacting literacy, empowering communities, supporting life skills development, partnering with law enforcement/first responders, and more.
I've been privileged to see the daily impact that UPI makes in the lives of community members. UPI's commitment supports a healthier and safer community...for everyone.
UPI literally "saved" our company from closing. As a "startup" company (healthcare at that) anticipating opening its doors to the public, only to find we were scrap dap in the middle of the worse global pandemic ever was shocking, terrifying, and crippling to say the least.
As a healthcare (Mental Health) company one would think there were "plenty" of resources to help get us licensed to accept Medicaid/Medicare...no. UPI was the "only" entity that showed up strong!!! If it had not been for this agency, our company, like so many others would have collapsed.
We had no finances (depleted), no banks were answering phones (at that time), no investors to be seen (everyone in "Shelter-in-Place" mode, and no family and friends to assist (everyone was uncertain about their own immediate safety and their uncertain futures. UPI however, answered the phone. And Journey Solutions Integrative Healthcare is here today.
Our company is forever grateful for the dire help received at the time it was granted. We accepted with gratefulness the financial assistance from UPI, and we're building stronger and better communities because of UPI. "Thank You"! -Journey Solutions, Inc
I have been involved as an Advisor and contributor with Unified Progress International (UPI) Education Inc. for several years. I personally see the work and programs constructed and implemented by UPI as necessary and of grave importance in the communities, it has grown to serve. UPI's approach to identifying and constructing programs to reach and teach those youths who are at risk of failure and marginalization has been a remarkable success. City and State educational institutions have acknowledged the success of the UPI concept and have approved and provided paramount support in partnering with UPI to further its' goal to serve the most important sector of our youth communities in providing life skills curriculums to ensure their success when at the crossroads of entering the world of the greater society. UPI has in my opinion set the bar for the challenge with high recognition among its' peers.
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To care means more than just giving, it means to be a part of, to participate, mentor and to be a witness to the achievement. There are many a group out and about that lay claim to doing great things in and about our communities, but for many its for the glory and the fame. Unified Progress International (UPI) Education Inc. reflects the ideal and vision created by its founder, Mr. Frank Crump and implemented by its members to accomplish what others say, but come up short. UPI is all about those young students who seem to be lost in the shadows of our vast secondary school systems across the country, city by city and state by state, and are presumed be reckless, negligent and ill responsible, a failure to themselves and the society at lodge, not worth the effort to save. Mentality among educators, administrators, society and critics of the same need to look beyond the walls of the brick and mortar and engage with organizations like UPI to identify those students most vulnerable and to work together to bring them back into the light with an anew self esteem to learn, lead and set new examples of what it means to be successful when someone else took the time to care. UPI, not just another non-profit organization looking for the glory and the fame. United Progress International (IPI) Inc., my organization, engineering new roads to success for our youths.
UPI has been changing lives for over two decades. Individuals lives, families, and our community is better because of the work UPI has committed to doing.
Your work has never been needed more. Please continue to give our families and community hope!
UPI is constantly evolving and networking to achieve its core mission of changing lives. UPI recently partnered with Scrubs Academy. Scrubs Academy is an initiative of The University of Arizona College of Medicine to introduce High School students to the medical profession. When my family member becomes a Doctor, I will update the UPI community.
It has been a pleasure to work with this organization. Their community involvement with youth has been thoughtful and heartfelt, while maintaining an organized business perspective.
UPI Education continues to excel and deliver with modern contemporary services, that are critically needed in the undersreved and disadvantaged communities.
It's my sincere hope that UPI continues to recieve strong consideration and sponsorship support, that will continue to benefit many for years to come.
Christopher Hawk
President
Small Business & Retirement plans Foundation
UPI has been an extremely key to the educational network of our communities statewide-wide. This organization has been fundamental to teaching diverse populations of students coupled with a myriad of integrated learning principles, methodologies and strategies to increase the opportunity of success . UPI teaches the core values that often times are over-looked in our educational institutions. My experience with UPI has been stellar , always providing a pipeline to student achievement.
I have known UPI's founder for years and have seen his dedication to his goal of improving the lives of children in his community first hand. UPI's curriculum is proven to work and has produced measurable improvements in children's academic performance. UPI has assembled a leadership of team which shares its founders vision and devotion to improving educational achievement levels for children and with it, the future prospects for those children to have rewarding and successful futures as adults.
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Have worked first hand with UPI, both with the leadership and their capable and devoted staff. They are doing exceptional work to impact the lives of young people here in the Phoenix Metro area.
United Progressive International Education, Inc. is a leading force for child advocacy and education for African American children in Arizona. The leadership of UPI is focused, courageous, creative and models the way when it comes to bringing people together around common problems that need to be solved.
Frank Crump is an honest and dedicated leader, who has nurtured UPI through the years, enabling it to provide enhanced and education to children in need.
UPI Educational has changed the trajectory of some 16 to 20 yrs old Urban youth lives;with introduction of Positive life skills so they do not become " at Risk Individuals ". Chris Smith. RPH. DE.
I have been associated with this true grass roots organization for years and laud all the folks that serve in whatever capacity to help our youth to Unleash the Power Inside...
With greater support this group has the potential to expand its good work and hope it has increased success in obtaining resources to spread its influence.
Great leadership, simple, attainable goals give this organization the focus that has enabled them to achieve the stellar results they have attained to date.
Keep up the great selfless work, we all benefit!
I have had the honor to serve as an advisor to UPI for the last 8 years. During that time I have witnessed their leader, Frank Crump, start UPI with virtually nothing and through sheer guts and determination build it into a powerful organization. Frank has overcome many obstacles and through the years has been able to attract other professionals to assist with expanding the vision of UPI to provide Life Skills Solutions™ to youths that need kindness, love, understanding, and guidance. Frank is a man "who speaks softly and carries a big stick". I would give him and UPI my strongest endorsement.
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My experience has been very good with the UPI organization. They are responsive and strategic with serving the education needs of the community, most importantly the needs of children. I look forward to doing great things for under-served children with UPI in the not to distant future and beyond.
I am so happy to have the opportunity to serve the community under the auspices of UPI. UPI Education has brought about a no-nonsense approach to education in our community. Our children have a practical approach to learn about themselves and their family and how to be a successful citizen and powerful member of our society.
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This organization has been one of the best to have ever happened to me! The staff and leadership is out of this world and they provided so many resources.
A great program that's helping a lot of kids! The focus of the program directly addresses the practical needs of the population it serves.
UPI is a vital non-profit for education that is working to better the educational system as whole in regard to engaging programming, dynamic teacher training, and progressive public policy approaches to improve educational outcomes and effectively measure student success!
UPI is a great organization aimed at supporting youth and the community. The Life skills training has help improve the lives of many of the participants of the program. Frank Crump and Team are doing a great job!
I served as a facilitator for the U PI curriculum at Create Academy Charter School. It was loved by staff and stufents alike. The impact on the students was nothing short of phenomenal
The President has never allowed me to read any of the curriculum. So I have no idea whether what is being taught is relevant to what children need to know.
Rather than just take somebody's word for it, I would like to see the details for myself. Why the President has chosen not to send a copy of the curriculum to me has never been explained. And frankly, that seems rather suspicious.
The summer camp that UPI hosted for young men is one of the most remarkable things I have ever seen. It was amazing to see how the staff worked with these young men and it was even more amazing to experience the before and after transition of each of the participants.
Has been an absolute pleasure from Frank Crump the founder two other board members the ideas and the motivation is something that others could learn from this is an honest dedicated group that has a vision to help everyone and not pad their own pockets it's refreshing to see a true non-profit
UPI is a tremendous organization that has and will continue to make a positive impact to communities and the world. Frank crump is assembled great people that are determined to make a positive impact to mankind.
I have had the privilege to work with Mr. Frank Crump and members of his staff the past few years and I can come up with one word that summarizes the vision, mission, objectives, strategy, and programs for UPI Education Inc. "GREAT!"
I am going to zero in on the programs because this is were many companies large and smart, for-profit, and not-for-profit fail to execute their strategy.
It starts with Mr. Frank Crump the president and Founder whose character is reflected in programs that are:
Unified… Working together, leaving no one behind
Progress… Advancing, evolving, pioneering
International… Culturally and ethnically diverse
Education… Facilitating, training, improving
I am a product of Frank's innate ability to educate, inspire, and enlighten "at-risk" youth to strive for greatness. For 22 year, I worked in New Haven, CT and Atlanta, GA, with kids who were once labeled "at-risk", whom are now leaders in their communities.
The Life Skill Solutions™ training program targeting "at-risk" youth does teaches the skills that prepare America’s youth to live as successful citizens; maintaining respect for others including respect for school, college,the workplace and the laws of our society.
The teachers embrace the fact "Great leaders are great teachers." The student see and feel the passion of the instructors as the encourage them to be Great!
Professor Dr. Frank Lee Harper, Jr.
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Over 50 years ago, while at a playground in New Haven, CT, I was a youngster being bullied by a bigger and old person. Out of nowhere emerged a gentleman who unbeknownst to us both would do something that left a lasting impression. You see all we knew about each other is that we had the same first name, "Frank" Big Frank was older and his basketball prowess and scholastic abilities would earn him the distinction of basketball legend.
What Big Frank did in a community park full of people is show that he is the type of person who will not stand by and watch unfairness. No one had to tell him to make a difference he took it upon himself to. For those of you are anticipating what he did he simply punched the bully in the eye. He was a young man of few words but had the courage to do whatever it took.
The act changed my life because it contributed to my growth. Frank brings this same tenacity to UPI.
UPU under the direction of Mr. Frank Crump continues to make a difference is people's lives.
Greatness is not about a tactical sense of execution. Greatness requires having a vision that goes beyond oneself and even beyond the organization. That being said. This is a GREAT program because it is driven by Mr. Frank Crump who has the unique ability to inspire everyone he comes in contact with to make a difference in someone life.
After all he has been doing it for over 50 years!
Review from Guidestar
It is with great pleasure that I have watched and followed the 10-12 year growth, dedication and persistency of UPI Foundation & Its' President Mr. Frank Crump....
Who continues to indentify more communities in need of valuable resources, support personnel and new relationships: not commonly known or thought about, in many of America's cities-- or middle class groups.
Congradulations, and my hats off , to UPI and its' board members for another outstanding year. As we at The Small Business & Retirement Plans Foundation look forward to collaborating and partnering with UPI on more educational trainings & work-shops in 2017.
Sincerely
Christopher Hawk
President
Small Business & Retirement Plans
Culver City, CA
USA
I have such pride being on the Board of Directors of such an outstanding organization.
Our President, Frank Crump and his team have created a powerful and much needed organization at the right time of our nation's history JUST for our youth who are starving to learn that it's OK to Hope and now there is Guidance finally which can be trusted.
Ms. Dickerson has a future leadership group of 8th grade girls. She contacted UPI wanting some who could speak to her group, Ms Hill agreed. Feedback: student 1; " I really enjoyed Ms Hills session inspiring us." Student 2; She has a strong personality, but I feel like that was helpful showing us that we need to be independent in life." Student 3; Ms Hill was excellent, but I would have liked more time. Ms Dickerson, "They really appreciated the Goal setting and real life stories to help them prepare for high school." "We look forward to working with you again."
UPI is saving our youth in the school system by training teachers to get related to students in a way that increases student attendance, engagement and responsibility. These students demonstrate an eagerness to learn and even take what they learn into their home life. This program builds character and provides a perspective for students that stimulates their desire to learn and improve their grades. This is a great program for schools that want their students to take responsibility for themselves and become positive productive adults in our community..
Working with a dynamic non-profit focused on increasing the success of all youth, and especially youth of color. Providing accredited and recognized life-skills curriculum, leadership development, an and community resources to improve opportunities.
UPI provides many great opportunities for youth in local communities. I'm thrilled to have worked with them in the past and continue to do so in the future.
Far exceeding my expectations of not only non-profits, NGOs or faith based youth education and community agency initiatives, is the awesome work of Unified Progress International! We have done so much with so little, and we have just begun to serve!
Having labored in city and state government social services and behavioral health programs and servicing the needs of thousands of Arizonan citizens for over three decades, meeting and working with my good friend and tireless advocate for the most vulnerable of our society; UPI Founder, Frank Crump is unparalleled!
We began with a simple but comprehensive Life Skills Curriculum at several key schools in the valley back in 2013 and by the end of summer, 2015, we had implemented two full summers of the Teen Leadership Academy at Harmon Park and the South Phoenix Youth centers, with extended facilitator trainings to more than two dozen educators and engaged 10 local youth & teen service provider(s) and partnership organizations in a spectacular process designed to reach and teach 'Disconnected & Underserved' teens in the most challenging metropolitan areas of the city of Phoenix.
Exceeding expectations moreover, because the lion's share of our support has been from the energy, dedication and personal resources of professional and lay volunteers. People who have heard the clarion call, to build the village, that everyone talks about!
So in addition to the launching of highly effective pilot programs, UPI has fostered the kind of inclusiveness that draws empowerment from, and encourages diverse perspectives to provide high quality, consistent and productive leadership in a community of children living with increasingly disparaging circumstances.
During the 2016 summer, UPI launched one of the most requested popular teen sports; "Up On Game BOXING" which has captured the imagination of neighborhood folks and become a social media thrill for all ages! So, with the full and ample support of one of UPI's most significant partners; the city of Phoenix parks and Recreation Department we are all anxiously looking forward to Summer Teen leadership Academy 2017!
It is difficult for a small non-profit such as LearningTree Productions to build an effective collaborative network to further our mission of making a real difference impacting our children's education nationwide. Becaming a UPI partner and networking with other individuals and organizations with similar goals is one of the best decisions I've ever made. I am currently reading The Power of Collaborative Solutions: Six Principles and Effective Tools for Building Healthy Communities by Tom Wolff and was struck by Arthur Himmelman's definition of collaboration which perfectly defines my experience with UPI. The power of UPI for me is this:
"Exchanging information, modifying activities, sharing resources and enhancing the capacity of another for the mutual benefit and to achieve a common purpose by sharing risk, resources, responsibilities and rewards."
UPI is a moving train picking up steam, gathering power along the way, building a network that is making a difference in communities across the country. Thank you Frank Crump for inviting us along for the ride.
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Since meeting Frank Crump and becoming a U-Team member organiation of Unified Progress International Education Inc., I see a clear path for LearningTree Productions, Inc. becoming an effective force for change in the community on the local as well as national level. Franks vision of expanding the role of non-profit into a broader focus, positions UPI to create a bond, links in a chain, that strengthens every organization under the UPI umbrella. A brilliant strategy with the agenda of empowering our children, UPI is the 21st century blueprint for social change through education.
My first encounter with UPI was several years ago when two of my teenage sons participated in and completed the UPI Summer Teen Leadership program. The affects of this program on my sons was nothing short of remarkable. I witnessed shy/introverted boys brrak out of tveir shells. Since that time one of my sons graduated from high school one year earlier and valedictorian. His younger brother is right behind him. I have sinced volunteered my time and resources to the great mission of UPI.
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The great work of UP I is nothing short of incredible. Two of my teenage sons participated in the UPI Elite Teen Leadership Summer Program and the effects are awesome. They are more focused on their goals in life, reading more, getting more involved in community projects and helping others. I have become a U Team member and I'm very inspired by the visionary leadership of Frank Crump. I am looking forward to the great work in the future.
Ghazi H. Muhammad
Your Path Your Destiny