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
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
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
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.
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.
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As the song says:
"I believe that children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way"
UPI Education has been successfully providing resources to children and their parents for over 15 years, in order to help them to be the best that they can be.
Kerwin Brown
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!
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
UPI is going amazing work bringing multiple nonprofits together to collaborate on helping our youth. The future is very bright for this growing organization!
I've had the privilege of working with UPI Education for over 4 years in multiple consulting roles and directing capacities. I have enjoyed every experience created to serve our youth. I continue to love educating young women entering the business and STEM worlds to embrace their inner-strengths and talents, branching out into more diverse roles as they graduate from college. In my time with UPI I have come to nurture some fine young people through mentoring programs, and have had the honor of working with a switched on Board of Directors. I cannot speak any higher of UPI Education, and Frank Crump. This expanding team of professionals are my growing family. Thank you!
I met Frank Crump several years ago. At that point, I started paying attention to UPIs events, articles and their presence in the community. It occurs to me that they are doing the right things for education and for young people. I hope that their presence continues to expand in South and West Phoenix.
I was homeless and charity saved me and without help. I would not have reach the success that I achieved. UPI is the greatest achievement in higher education that has been developed in the past 20 years.
The mentoring program provided by UPI was phenomenal!! My students were excited to work with Ghazi Muhammad every week. It was an added bonus for Mr. Dwayne Baker to donate laptops for my students!! Thank you Frank Crump, your organization has had a positive impact on the lives of my students and our entire Create Academy community.
I have known Frank Crump, Founder of UPI for many years having met through my Mentor, a LIFELONG friend of Mr. Crump. We have consulted on various projects and developed a bond taking our friendship to the next level. Frank has the drive and initiative to continue to lead us at UPI to make the organization relevant and have the impact on our most important resource our children. As Chairman of Peace In The Hood in Cleveland, Ohio we take a direct approach to youth through gang intervention, the most violent youth among us. It is important to me to involve my time and money with UPI simply because UPI is the solution for the children, especially those left out at the bottom of the list. Just ask the children about UPI!
Review from Guidestar
UPI is an amazing organization led by Frank Crump. His leadership has been exemplary in building momentum to get the UPI Life Skills Program into schools and make a difference in the lives of our youths. It's because of programs like this our children will have a brighter future. So proud to be a part of this wonderful organization.
Sincerely, Pat Gillum
CEO/Founder - The Sisterhood Extravaganza
I have been a member on the Board of Advisor since late 2013. I currently continue to serve on the Board and also as an Executive Management team member, providing the company with my expertise in branding and social enterprise. I believe in UPI's mission, to build a future for our children and youth that they too can share in, and be proud of their involvement. We're shattering the glass ceiling imposed upon our youth by society, their histories, their families and their stereotypes. We're working together, united alongside our partners, to create new pathways for our youth to walk, give them hope, show them the way, and to give them the tools to be MORE, do MORE, pay forward MORE. I am honored to be on this great team of like-minded people and businesses, all sharing the same dream. Thank you.
The word that comes to my mind as I type these few words this morning before sunrise is..."beacon". As in Beacon of Light in an environment so desperately in need of it. To give "light" in the manner and methodology as this organization is Doing, is to illuminate the minds and the hopes and the visions of so many whom other wise would be trapped in the darkness of a world too few know or care to know about. I'm grateful to have discovered the WORK of Unified Progress International and as is inevitable, as more and more reflect the light...more minds,visions and hopes will be illuminated. In this moment I speak for transformation of lives through the WORK of United Progress International ....and my word will not return to me void.
I worked with UPI recently and I had a chance to view their leadership program dealing with young teens first hand. Their 2015 summer youth camp was very effective with their kids who participated in the program and their progress and attitudes reflected the leadership of UPI's outstanding mentors.
Great program and recommend to any family seeking to send their kids on a positive path of making right choices!!
Pressure Entertainment Films LLC
Abdu Dandridge, owner
www.pressureentertainment.com
After he attending the UPI Summer Camp which took him to visit the ASU campus my grandson went from a failing student to an A/B and decided he is going to college.
I've known Mr. Frank Crump for many years and he is an outstanding gentleman of distinctive talent. Above reproach, Mr. Crump has consistently and conscientiously striven for excellence in whatever endeavor he has undertaken.
A passionate advocate for functional families and harmonious communities, Mr. Crump has made it his life's work to go beyond the call of duty and lead those prepared to follow to new heights of knowledge and understanding. With Mr. Crump as the helmsman of Unified Progress Education Inc., investors and students alike can rest assured they will be experiencing sustained growth and mutual benefits for years to come.
Review from Guidestar
The work that UPI is doing to educate our community is WONDERFUL! The programs they provide truly do make a difference in the lives of the children and adults they work with! Mahalo so much to UPI for all your dedication and hard work!
Review from Guidestar
I was only introduced to UPI within the last 8 months and I have been impressed from day-one with the level of professionalism and commitment that this organization brings to each meeting and to their collaborative efforts. UPI is being intentional to make connections with industry and all levels of educations to find ways in which to ulitmately impact youth and their families! There is a definite synergy within this organization and while they are focused and bring research to the table they never forget that their primary purpose is to give kids hope and to help every child see that there is a purpose for their life...sometimes no one told them until they met the UPI staff!
Quality origanization. So proud to watch them grow and engage in our communities.
Review from Guidestar
Great organization. It's been a long time coming. I have know the founder since day one and about his vision on children's education and changing them in a positive way.
Review from Guidestar
I have been associated with UPI Education for nine years. I have witnessed the organizations growth and development firsthand with awe and excitement. There are many youth development or life skills programs throughout the country (many of which serve their communities well) UPI's Life Skills Solutions(TM) training program is among the best and in time it's program value will be measured by the number of students who graduate from its course.
