After membership applications to join Urban Underground went from 116 in 2000 to 1,025 in 2004, Urban Underground embarked on a journey to expand its physical space to meet the growing demand from Milwaukee youth and families. After a two year research process that included surveys, focus groups, and site visits to youth centers around the country, the concept for a city-wide Youth Empowerment Center (YEC) was born. The concept behind the YEC is informed by local research and national best-practices for comprehensive urban youth centers. The concept behind the YEC is not only a reflection of the youth and staff that guided the process, but of the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of hundreds of youth that contributed to the process. In 2005, NBA Coach George Karl generously purchased the site for the Urban Underground Youth Empowerment Center. George Karls leading support has laid the foundation for an ongoing capital campaign to upgrade the building. Our new three level facility houses approximately 12,000 square feet of program and office space. Once all renovations are complete the YEC will feature a state-of-the-art technology center, recording studio, classrooms, counseling center, internet café, community meeting space, collaborative staff-office suite, video production lab, and a digital media center for photography, animation, and graphic/web design. If you are interested in supporting our expansion please contact Sharlen Moore at 414-444-8726 Ext. 11. We are in need of funds, services, and materials to fully complete the renovations.
