Urban Compass

Guiding Youth Toward a Hopeful Future

Urban Compass, an educational, 501©3 non-profit organization, was established in 2004 to address the academic issues and outcomes affecting youth in Watts and South Los Angeles. Focusing on mentorship from high school and college students, core academic support, and engaging enrichment activities, our after-school and summer programs for Kindergarten through 5th grade students aim to help them navigate through elementary school and beyond, keeping them out of gangs and on a path to college and a fulfilling, constructive life.

Urban Compass' primary program site is located at the Verbum Dei High School campus in Watts and serves 50 elementary school students and their families. In this personalized setting, students are tutored by high school and local college student role models during the academic year and are also treated to monthly field trips and summer experiences to expose them to new learning and a world outside their own neighborhood. By planting the seeds of success and nurturing children and youth at each step along the way, Urban Compass seeks to transform the lives not only of particular individuals but also of future generations.