Unearth and Empower Communities (UEC) is an independent non-profit organization that works alongside city residents, officials, organizations and businesses to develop interdependent neighborhoods by training and empowering residents to transform their communities. UEC’s initial programming focuses on strengthening the areas of literacy, arts education, mentoring and entrepreneurship. UEC primarily serves the residents of Compton ages 5-23 because of the challenges the city faces.  Compton is named in the top 100 most dangerous cities in the USA.  52% of the adult population has not obtained a high school diploma.  94% of residents 25 and over have not obtained a four-year degree.  43% of high school students do not graduate on time.  60% of residents 18-24 are unemployed and 32% of the residents live below the poverty level. UEC’s mission is to create pathways to college, employment, and entrepreneurship for Compton youth through engagement with STEM education & the arts. UEC recognizes the importance of education especially to those students who are under-resourced, hence it has become our passion to empower these kids to find tools and programs where they can express themselves through the arts. At the same time, we provide the services they need to reach higher education or employment. At Unearth and Empower Communities, we have made it our objective to identify and help those underserved kids by providing them with the support and resources through our programs which span from Pre K to college and for some, employment.