Even though I had been in ministry for over a decade, going through the 90 degree program was an incredible experience. On one hand, it was a great refresher. In the other, it pushed a lot of new skills and perspectives I have been blessed to have used since then in other roles and ministries. I’ll be forever grateful.
As a leader of the youth, UYWI has equipped me with the necessary resources to expand the minds of the youth and grow their relationships with Christ. It has enabled me to communicate the Gospel with them. It helped me know I wasn't alone and there were other leaders like me out there.
The conferences are just what urban youth workers need, a time to recenter as well as a space to learn from and connect with others that understand the unique challenges. Our youth group has also used some of their curriculum for our Sunday meetings.
I recently graduated from the year-long certification course offered by UYWI, and my experience has been nothing short of transformative. The course provided invaluable insights, particularly in refining our nonprofit's Mission and Vision Statements, which has strengthened our overall direction.
Learning about strategic planning and mapping was another highlight, equipping me with practical skills to effectively guide our organization. However, the most significant aspect of my experience was the sense of community. Connecting with others who work in similar urban environments fostered a sense of belonging, making me feel like I gained a family. UYWI not only empowers individuals with knowledge but also cultivates meaningful relationships that extend beyond the classroom. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to make a real impact in their community.
I was captivated by UYWI in 2017 when I attended a conference. The teaching, the vision and the mission of advancing the kingdom was delivered in a way, sound and from people who I could truly resonate with. I took a leap and applied to the online cohort I believe, the first..and now, I inherited a family that I glean from and continue to learn from. My experience was unforgettable and most importantly impactful in how I see and share the gospel. This review will never be enough to express the gratitude I have for UYWI and the work they do. UYWI is who they say they are.
The UYWI Youth Leader Certification Program was an outstanding experience that brought tremendous growth both to me personally and to our nonprofit. The relationships I built during the course expanded my community and strengthened our network of professional connections. The training inspired us to revisit and update our corporate documents, as well as refresh our strategic plan. I gained vital skills in areas such as Trauma Informed Care, building high-performance teams, and more. The content was practical and impactful, and the connections with the UYWI team and my classmates are truly invaluable. I enjoyed every moment and would love to take the entire program again.
I had the honor of participating in an online cohort of the Urban Youth Ministry Leadership Certification Program, and my experience was incredible! Throughout my time with UYWI, I experienced an abundance of support and investment from a team that was committed to my growth as an individual and as a youth worker. In this environment saturated with opportunities to learn, I have developed my skills as a leader, my desire for seeing the kingdom of God expand across the generations has deepened, and my love for youth has only grown! I am so grateful for the UYWI family, and would recommend the Certification program to any leader!
I’m a youth mentor at East Coast International Church in Lynn, MA. UYWI has been a major gift for our team. Not only have we felt seen, understood and challenged. We have also been able to dream bigger for our students of Lynn. One of those dreams being our teen center named El Centro. The resources, feedback, and connections UYWI has given us has been a major game changer. I look forward to see how many other ways we will continue to work with UYWI.
I'm born and raised in church, have done ministry for two decades, and fluent in "christianese". I currently work with unchurched youth and was feeling like a fish out of water.
UYWI has given me a fresh perspective and the tools to create strategies for reaching and discipling urban youth in a holistic way while preventing the burnout that is so prevalent in ministry.
Thank you!
We were at a crossroads and thought we were done with youth ministry when UYWI reignited the flame in us, to not only get involved, but to fully commit to serving as youth pastors in Long Island since 2018. We graduated from the certification program in 2017 and that began a wonderful relationship that continues to the present. They have provided our youth leadership team and our youth with resources that have exponentially refined their lives. UYWI is an organization that stays ahead of its time, consistently developing novel and effective approaches to equip leaders to do meaningful work that will have a lasting impact. This is not just another non-profit, this is a community that is shaping the leaders of today. They authentically care for each individual leader and become one of the greatest allies. UYWI has made a significant impact on our personal lives, on our leaders, our church and especially and most importantly on our teens. Our teens have reaped the benefits of the investment UYWI has made in us for their betterment. We have learned to remain a consistent refuge for our kids, to love them through the good, the bad, and the ugly, to make space to care for ourselves, and to ask for help when we need it. We are able to lead our teens from a place of health with honesty and transparency. We share our lives with our teens and get to the root of their issues with ease because of the skills we learned through UYWI. UYWI stands by their commitment to support leaders in the urban context. We are witnesses and recipients of that support. They are the real deal. They love hard, they genuinely care and they do the hard work.
I cannot express enough gratitude for the incredible impact UYWI has had on our organization. Their Youth Leaders Certification Program and Storyline Program have been absolute game-changers.
Before participating in UYWI's programs, I felt overwhelmed and lost when it came to leading our organization. I was unsure of the direction we should take and lacked a clear vision for the future. However, with UYWI's guidance and support, I was able to gain clarity, focus, and a renewed sense of purpose.
UYWI's expertise has been invaluable in helping us develop well-structured programs and confidently pitch them to funders. I am now excited about the future of our organization and the positive impact we can make.
I wholeheartedly recommend UYWI to any organization looking to strengthen its leadership, develop effective programs, and achieve long-term success. Their experience and knowledge are truly priceless.
I attended their conferences years a row and it was amazing! I enjoyed every minute of it and received great resources. The emails I get form them as well are always full of great things that I can use with our youth group!
UYWI has been life-changing for me and my organization. I've searched for leadership programs that could help me grow in my role but there was never anything that could help me in the context that I'm in. Not only has UYWI equipped me to lead my organization confidently, but I have also grown tremendously as a leader and an individual. Because of UYWI, I've been able to develop a mission action plan that will set the direction for where we're going as an organization. I'm forever grateful for all that I've learned and the community I've gained through UYWI.
UYWI is committed to providing excellent service youth that live in urban areas. Their certification program, Fuel Networks, and coaching provides urban leaders with the tools to effectively run their ministries or organizations. This has been one of the most transformative organizations I’ve had the opportunity to work with.
UYWI does ministry excellently and intentionally! The resources they curate are thoughtful, relevant, researched, seamlessly applicable, and filled to the brim with the gospel. Their leadership and staff are overflowing with passion for urban youth and the urban youth worker. I see the Lord working so evidently and faithfully through this non-profit. Every curriculum and experience I have had with them has wonderfully transformed my life, and I could not be more proud and honored to be a part of the UYWI family.
As the Executive Director of Aim Right Ministries in Phoenix, AZ, I can attest to the invaluable role that the Urban Youth Workers Institute (UYWI) has played in our growth and impact. Their comprehensive training programs, resources, and networking opportunities have been a lifeline for our small non-profit, empowering us to better serve at-risk youth in our community.
The skills and insights gained through UYWI have not only improved our internal operations but also made our outreach programs more effective and engaging. This has created a ripple effect, positively impacting the lives of the young people we serve.
For anyone in urban youth work, UYWI is an indispensable resource. They provide the tools needed to make lasting changes in the lives of young people.
I often tell people that if it wasn't for UYWI I would have never made it in urban youth ministry. The resources they provide are phenomenal. But it doesn't stop at the resources. The leadership team has been in the trenches and understand the challenges that youth workers face in our urban communities. They come alongside and provide support in a variety of ways. Sometimes by asking the hard questions and making you put in some hard work, other times it is simply sitting with you and listening to you and encouraging you to keep pressing on.
We give to UYWI because we know they are passionate about training leaders and equipping youth workers to go into some of the roughest neighborhoods in our cities.
Love our UYWI FAM!!
For the past ten years I have served with Long Beach Young Life. The resources, support and training from UYWI directly impacted our leaders and students in Long Beach. Through their certification program to events like Manhood Camp, our leaders and students were given tools and resources to grow them as leaders and as followers of Jesus.
Such a great organization! They truly care about youth leaders and they put their money where their mouth is. One of the best non-profits I’ve seen out there.
Completing the UYWI Certification Program was extremely rewarding. UYWI truly provides its cohorts with the practical tools, knowledge, and resources needed to serve young people today. UYWI's cohort leaders, facilitators, and overall structure of the program are outstanding. Through the Certification Program, leaders have an opportunity to learn and grow in community. I am honored to be a part of the UYWI family!
The Urban Youth Leader Certification Program with UYWI in Los Angeles was and has been a wonderful experience. From Facilitators and Imstructors to the developed relationship and skills. The program encourages, empowers and equips Chriatian leaders the tools and resources need to stretch capacity and uncover some areas of weakness or lack that might not have been in per view. I am grateful for the program would definitely refer other disciples who are looking from ways to grow in their leadership.
Joining UYWI certification program was the best ministry decision I have made. I wish I would have known about this in my early 20’s. This program has allowed me to see my organization with a difference lens. A lens that makes long lasting change in a community. Learning to create a strategic plan was the biggest takeaway. The second takeaway would be the friends and community of support you gain from being a part of this program. I highly recommend UYWI for the certification program and all the great FREE resources you have access to on their online library.
UYWI has been an amazing find for me. I spent a number of years feeling like I was a bit weird because of how I viewed the modern church's seemingly lack of concern for the kids outside of the building. Coming across an organization that doesn't just focus on reaching those young people, but also provides the training, resources & relationships needed to do it more effectively has been a dream come true. Love being a part of the family and looking forward to reaching more teens for Christ!
This organization has helped shape me to be a better Youth Ministry leader. I received training over the years that allowed me to give back to urban youth and fellow youth workers in the DC Metro area and beyond like myself.
I am proud to be a volunteer and a donor to the organization.
The Urban Youth Workers Institute is a top-notch provider of training, coaching, and resources for youth workers in some of the greatest need areas of our country. They provide invaluable support for those doing some of the hardest youth ministry work out there. I'm so grateful for what they do and support UYWI financially because of that.
As Director of Long Beach Young Life youth outreach ministry, I greatly value UYWI. Two of our staff have been well equipped for ministry through completing UYWI's 90-Degree Program. The program grew them as leaders to youth as well as followers of Jesus. UYWI creates effective content and resources that are easy to access and well crafted. They are the best resource on the market for adults pouring into urban youth.
-Jenny Dickson, Long Beach Young Life
Urban Youth Workers Institute does a fantastic job resourcing urban leaders with curriculum that honors and respects the culture and experiences of youth coming from urban contexts. I am grateful for the ways they highlight leaders of color & women of color in their conferences and curriculum. Their motto, "We are for you, we are you" has been so true as they speak to the experiences of a youth and leaders on the margins of mainstream Christianity. Their ministry is a great gift to urban leaders who feel isolated and in need of connection and networks of support. The UYWI annual conference has been one of the most life-giving experiences of my leadership, and I know many other leaders have been missing this conference since they stopped in 2020. Please bring it back!! Grateful for all of the spirit-led leaders in your org who are doing good Kingdom work!
Even years after I went through UYWI’s 1-year intensive training, I am still drawing from that well of instruction and mentorship I received. The intensive, as well as the coaching and their conferences were some of the most important factors in helping me learn the nuts and bolts of ministry. I will forever be grateful to Larry Acosta, Tommy Nixon, and the rest of the UYWI team!
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I know of no other organization like UYWI, who’s having a real impact on the inner city, by gathering up and encouraging and training, all those leaders in our major cities struggling through burnout, or small budgets, or violence in the communities they serve, etc, etc.
I myself was equipped by UYWI during an especially difficult time in my ministry in Los Angeles. Through the one on one coaching, the intensive one-year training, and the yearly conferences which served as a morale booster to all those leaders who thought they were out there on their own.
I owe a tremendous debt to Larry Acosta and UYWI, and am excited to see what amazing things they will do under the leadership of Tommy Nixon in the years to come.
I was first introduced to UYWI when I graduated from college and was helping my church begin a community based after-school tutoring program. I didn't know the first thing about how to do this. UYWI invited our team to Santa Ana where they showed us what it looked like to run an after-school program ran by mostly volunteers. Since then I have begun two programs and supported leaders to do the same.
Throughout the past 25 years UYWI has been a central place for me to build peer relationships with other practitioners as well as for me to continue to learn relevant and equitable ways to continue to run after-school tutoring and mentoring programs.
UYWI intentionally keeps their ears listening to urban students and their leaders in order to create artful and engaging spiritual and emotional development, and life-skills resources.
Within a year, UYWI has went above and beyond to help me in my journey to becoming the best leader I can be with also making sure I am okay mentally,
Physically, and spiritually! I love everyone at UYWI.
They have really played a huge part of who I am becoming!!!
UYWI is spectacular community devoted to seeing next gen leaders emerge from our cities. Great mission. Great people. Great services.
UYWI created a space for me to learn about myself and the work I was doing in a community of people that pushed me to be my best self. I am so grateful for the quality of training content they provide for people as they walk into the lives of youths today! I have worked in youth ministry for many years and this was one of the best programs I have gotten to be apart of. I am a better leader because of the investment UYWI made in me!
The love and the passion that UYWI pours into students and leaders in the urban areas are so inspiring and useful. It is a blessing to see the work they are doing for so many.
I am one of those “watchers from afar” but have also been deeply impacted by UYWI. The work that they do to support urban youth leaders is tremendous. I’ve been able to listen to their podcasts, read their articles, and make personal connections with people within the network. The work they are doing for young people is unmerited and I highly encourage anyone who serves urban youth to get connected. Thanks for all you do!
This organization helped me so much when I was a young youth worker looking for coaching, connections, and resources. Grateful for the guidance and the partnerships UYWI created for me that allowed me to better serve the youth in my church and community.
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UYWI has been an organization that has resourced, helped and encouraged me and my church leadership in so many ways. They have certification programs that will train your leaders in areas you don't learn in Bible College. Forever grateful for UYWI continuing to pour into the next generation of leaders like me.
As an urban youth worker I have turned to UYWI on multiple occasions for training and encouragement throughout my 10+ years in ministry. When COVID hit I found myself once again looking to UYWI for help on how to minister in the middle of lock downs. Tommy and the team came through by offering timely meetings that inspired and created space for old and new relationships to grow. Thanks to UYWI I didn't feel alone during a lonely time.
I have been part of Youth For Christ since High School and as a volunteer as an adult.
I am now a public school teacher, former school board member and my husband and I have been in full time ministry for over 30 years.
What I hope Urban Youth Workers will do, is prepare students about the unlimited gender choices being taught now to our middle school and high school students. An interfaith state coalition created a video to help kids and their parents navigate these new waters, not only in California schools but nationwide.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1kMwj4hTmc
When Urban youth Workers start dealing with this critical subject head on, I will give them a 5 star mark.... however right now, they are not.
Back in 2015 I participated in the 12-month 90Degrees UYM Certificate program was is a great learning and development opportunity. Each session was led by a great leader who spoke to our hearts as youth leaders. Through this program I was able to connect with people who became my brothers and sisters throughout the program. 7 years later UYWI is still leading, providing great resources and opportunities for us to connect and share our stories of ministry.
UYWI is an amazing organization that is building urban kingdom leaders that are impacting communities of young people for the kingdom. Disciples making disciples.
I HIGHLY recommend UYWI to anyone who is looking to get deeper into their work with urban youth. The program is so well put together and organized. Its so much information but interactive and fun. Its definitely helped my husband and I in our work with youth in the school system in NYC and we are so grateful and appreciative of the leadership and the guidance of the UYWI team.
Such a great organization with a long history of providing relevant training and teaching for those who serve the young people in their city.
UYWI has changed the way I lead youth. They have helped me translate my passion into a strategic plan that has transformed the way I approach ministry. UYWI also provides resources and a community of national leaders that honestly has become family! I recommend them alllllll the time because what I've gained from this organization is priceless!
A great organization with a strong board and executive leader. We've been granting them for decades and in the last few years, we've been consulting with them on governance, leadership, fund development and more. They are the real deal - driving for outcomes. They are learners and know the challenges Urban Youth Workers around the world deal with.
UYWI truly cares about youth and they want to help others in any way they can. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know many of the staff members and they genuinely love the work that they are doing. They help train up youth workers to be well-equipped to love and serve their youth in the best way possible. They have a plethora of fantastic, relevant resources and you definitely should take advantage!
One of the most thorough and mission centered training programs for urban youth workers in our era! From the leadership down to the volunteers, UIWY is an amazing organization.
My experience with UYWI consists mainly of attending their conference in California in May of 2017. The conference was excellent in every aspect. The speakers and presenters from the large group gatherings to the break out sessions were experts in their craft and also passionately in love with Jesus and youth ministry. The variety and amount of break-out sessions offered could cater to any youth worker with a variety of interests. Their aesthetic and organization of the entire conference was also on point. I enjoyed the entire experience and was able to take knowledge away from the conference that I could actually apply to my ministry. I also greatly benefit from their mission which is catered to urban youth ministry. I grew up in suburban youth ministry and then God called me to urban youth ministry, and in some aspects they are two different worlds. UYWI is very unique and helpful in that there are not as many resources out there for urban youth ministry.
UYWI is an amazing nonprofit. They have amazing conferences, excellent and knowledgeable teachers and presenters, great people to work with, with heart and dedication. UYWI is our source for everything to do with working with youth.
UYWI has been one of the most influential organization to my leadership development in youth ministry. I joined 90 degrees program when I was a youth leader almost 6 years ago and this program not only gave me practical tools on how to continue to do youth ministry but came alongside me, coached me, and connected me with other urban youth leaders. As a Youth Director now I look back on the past years and have seeing how UYWI has influenced my leadership, organization skills, and strategy in youth work. I'm forever grateful for this community!
When I first heard of UYWI, I thought it was just another youth ministry marketing scheme. When I met the founder and fellow leaders, I realized this Non-Profit was mission driven - focused and bent on serving underserved ministry people. After several conferences, workshops and then partnering ours with their non-profit, I really saw how resilient this team is. Now, after moving on to another institution, my memories and lessons learned remain important as I train others for ministry.
I have worked in urban youth ministry for years and have attended many conferences, trainings, breakouts etc. UYWI is the BEST in its field. UWYI is the only conference I have been to that is specific to workers who serve an urban population. Urban youth are often underserved and neglected so to have an org. like UYWI come along side us as workers in those communities and see us, support, love, train us is so important. Urban work is very different than other ministry work so the support to/of us is critical. Thank you UYWI for ALL you do.
I have attended workshops with this organization for many years. They information is always timely and relevant. I can always tweak it for the population of youth I serve.
UYWI is a great partner to local pastors and youth leaders. They provide innovative content to help equip the next generation. They are changing the scope of youth ministry across the name.
My Church, our Youth Ministry, and I have greatly benefited from UYWI since 2014. I am a Client Served by UYWI, a Donor to UYWI, and a professional with expertise in its field. We attend UYWI's National Conference every year, and almost every leader in our Church and Youth Ministry attends to get more training, along with emerging young adult leaders. We take our teen guys to their Manhood Camp every Summer. I did their 90 Degrees Certification Program from 2014-2015, and tell other Youth Ministers to go sign up for it, and it taught me so much about youth programming, leading teams, helping hurting youth, and fundraising. I use UYWI's App on my iPhone for its resources and trainings and check it consistently. UYWI is a nonprofit that so many urban youth workers look to for vision for their work, to receive training from, to hear about & acquire the latest tools from, and really see themselves as a part of UYWI's tribe. I'm so grateful for this nonprofit! Attached is a photo of some of our youth workers and emerging young adult leaders in our youth ministry at the UYWI Nat'l Conf from a few years back.
I have watched people radically develop their leadership by going through UYWI's programs and trainings. I love recommending UYWI to youth workers!
Connecting with UYWI is the best thing that has happened to me in urban youth ministry! I always felt alone as a youth worker until I attended the UYWI National Conference for the first time in 2015. It felt like I found a family that finally understood me. The following year I decided to join the 90 Degrees Certification Program and was blessed by all the tools and resources I obtained. I look forward to the future things to come from UYWI and to sharing about this amazing organization with others!
By far the best organization ever! UYWI are very Intentional with educating, training, and sending youth workers into the field. This organization is needed in Los Ángeles and is making ground breaking efforts!
UYWI has given me the confidence and tools to achieve greatness in my community. They are a community/Tribe of people who stand firm for the Kingdom of God.
Sometimes it feels isolating to be working in urban youth ministry but UYWI has connected me with both people and resources that make me feel like my approach to working with youth is not "crazy". They have shown me that there are many others out there who not only get it, but are making tools and resources available to effectively do my job and come alongside urban youth in a relevant way. Thanks UYWI!!
UYWI is an amazing organization bringing encouragement, excellent training and resources to leaders around the world. They have a global reach and service leaders that are often ministering in forgotten places. I am so grateful for how this ministry has impacted my life and many others!
UYWI was a very important turning point in my life. At a time when I felt stagnant in ministry the team of UYWI came and turned my life around. Trough their teachings, coaching and most important new built relationships I was ready to gain life and move forward with urban ministry. I can’t express enough how important I think it is for anyone in urban ministry to join UYWI.
My UYWI Review ...
I was introduced to UYWI in 2014. I was in developmental stage in full time ministry. I never had coaching, mentorship, or someone who looked over my shoulder and coached in my next steps.
UYWI gave me these things, ...
1) A community of leaders, coaches and peers that Is still strong 6 years later.
2) Personal coaching and encouragement
3) Practical information and knowledge to build a strategic roadmap for my youth ministry!
Top to bottom incredibly awesome staffed organization!
I believe that UYWI is the best urban youth worker's training in the country. I have even brought non-urban youth workers to UYWI events and it has been incredibly relevant since the topics discussed at every level of training have been relevant to youth in the city or in the suburbs. A non-exhaustive list of topics are: fatherlessness, drug addiction, how to make leaders, how to do bible studies, summer planning, personal growth, staying healthy, partnerships, incarnational ministry, letting the Holy Spirit lead, etc. I have been to an UYWI event for 10 years now and they have not skipped the beat; in fact, they seem to create the beat that youth workers need to be bobbing their heads to since what they focus on always seems to be the heart of God for that specific year / region / city. Between RELOAD, THE WELL, and the National UYWI event, there is a production of high quality people, seminars, webinars, MP3 recordings and a highlight of relevant books that I should read. Without UYWI, I know I would not be as equipped to lead as I am now.
UYWI has been a tremendous help in my life and in my ministry with youth in Detroit. Being apart of Youth for Christ's City Life ministry for over 10 years, I have benefitted from online trainings, audio trainings, Reload tour as well as being a presenter numerous years at Reload in Detroit. I would recommend this organization to anyone interested in getting into urban youth ministry as well as a savy vet looking to stay sharp. -Peter in Detroit
I have been a student in UYWI's Urban Training Instiitute for a few months now. The level of training and support they provide is far beyond what I expected. The trainers are very knowledgeable in their subject matter. The community is encouraging and the staff is willing to help get the info you need, when you need. I have been blessed by this organization and believe they really do care about the individuals they serve.