UPO Stories
New skills + new mindset = a powerhouse
Southeast resident Gina Miller was unhappy as a contracted security guard. She was grateful to be working during the pandemic but was not fulfilled — she imagined more for her...
He’s paving a road to success
Angelo Brandon was in the prime of his life — at 30 years old, he was a talented artist and painter. He was also a single dad with no job....
A Second Home that Leads to His Future
DC native Lawrence Jackson just graduated from high school and from the UPO CARES Construction Trades Program. Earlier this year, on a school field trip to UPO’s Building Careers Academy,...
Ramella – Joseph A. Beavers scholarship recipient
This is Ramella, a 2015 Joseph A. Beavers scholarship recipient. Annually, we award 5 ambitious, deserving D.C. high school students, $10,000 each to be applied towards their collegiate aspirational pursuits....
Vincent – Shelter Hotline Driver
“It means a lot because we help and give to the homeless. I’m truly dedicated to what we do. I know the cause we have is utterly necessary with the...
Lanique – P.O.W.E.R. program
“UPO’s P.O.W.E.R. program means a lot to me. It broadens your horizons to new experiences. UPO teaches you that college is for everyone, regardless of your financial need, where you...
Sereeta – Culinary Arts Graduate
“UPO helped me to better formalize my resume. To be outspoken, confident within myself, being able to speak to any and everyone. It also helped me to finish my culinary...
Myra- UPO Volunteer
“My heart is service.” Myra is a proud UPO volunteer! She was born with a heart to serve. It’s in her blood. She watched her grandmother and aunt take care of...
Lynell – Returning Citizen
“The first class treatment that UPO showed me was everything that I needed to know. The staff at UPO helps and receives you with open arms. You’ll swear that they’re...
Kelvin – Shelter Hotline Driver
“It means that I get the chance to be hands on with my community and help those less fortunate. To try to save lives out here in the cold weather...
LaQuita – Hospitality
“I would highly recommend UPO’s Hospitality program. I learned about every position in a hotel and it definitely helped in my interviews. This program really is six weeks to a...
Evan – Cyber Security
“I now see my future in Networking instead of Cyber Security because of the multiple opportunities for growth! My life has changed and I’m in a better place overall to...