Universal Companies

Universal is a not-for-profit "Community Development and Community Management Corporation." Our mission is to create educational, cultural and entrepreneurial opportunities that will stimulate the development of wealth within historically disenfranchised communities. To accomplish this, Universal focuses on the identification and removal of systemic barriers to wealth creation within urban settings.

Since its founding in 1993, Universal has built the capacity to challenge and reverse the effects of urban decline, which include economic and social disinvestments; poor quality housing, lack of job opportunities, high crime levels, poor quality of education, and an overall poor quality of life.

To date, Universal has developed more than 1,000 units of affordable and market rate housing; established a successful adult training center (i.e. job training and placement, business development training and financial literacy education); operated after-school, Saturday and summer youth programs; and implemented far-reaching public education initiatives through the management of five public charter schools; thereby educating 2,500 students directly each year.