Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation oversees three affordable housing communities, which have paved the way for hundreds of low to moderate income families in Baton Rouge to gain access to quality and safe affordable housing. In addition to providing affordable homeownership and rental housing options, UREC offers extensive housing counseling services to help families build or repair credit and create paths to homeownership.

At Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation, no one is left out of the equation. UREC takes pride in investing in individuals across generational, social and economic lines. Our human development initiatives educate, activate and train youth and adults to become empowered community members & stakeholders, reliable professionals and successful entrepreneurs. Our investments in others continue to pay off.

Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation has a strong commitment to engaging citizens and stakeholders on issues relevant to community development. UREC regularly gathers leaders from across Louisiana and the nation to discuss the state of community development in areas such as affordable housing, economic development and education. UREC’s Community Engagement initiatives include: North Baton Rouge Housing Expo Baton Rouge Community Development Symposium Baton Rouge Fair Housing Seminars Credit Repair Workshops Urban Gardens Neighborhood Association Launched the LABEST statewide policy initiative

The 21st Century Learning Center Program is funded by the U.S Department of Education through the Louisiana Department of Education with the goal to provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. UREC’s 21st Century Learning Center Program implements initiatives to help students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children. UREC also hosts college and career readiness programs to provide students gain skills, knowledge, and expertise to assist high school youth with postsecondary success through three institutes: Ignite Fellowship and Entrepreneurship, Pre-Law, and Emergency Medical Responder.

IGNITE is an interactive summer and after-school institute that prepares high school students to create the jobs of tomorrow through entrepreneurship training, college and career readiness and ACT Prep. — Entrepreneurship: During the summers, IGNITE students are introduced to the principles of entrepreneurship, learn how to develop a business plan, participate in internships at local businesses to gain real-world professional experience that aligns with their career aspirations, and demonstrate their entrepreneurial skills during a live business pitch competition, which is judged by local entrepreneurs. — ACT and College Prep: During the academic year, students will further prepare for future careers by focusing on college readiness. During the ACT and college prep component of IGNITE, students will: master ACT test taking skills; explore college opportunities; develop critical thinking skills; and discover tips for financial planning and budgeting for college. Program participants will be required to register for the official Fall ACT exam.

UREC offers an annual Pre-Law Institute that follows a 14-week curriculum modified from the Education Development Center’s Law and Justice Program, which introduces students to civics, law, and the criminal justice system, while affording them the opportunity to study under instructors who are law students at Southern University Law Center (SULC). Scholars also gain practical experience during the program, which includes studying at the SULC, facilitating a mock-trial at the law center’s state-of-the-art moot court and networking with Baton Rouge attorneys and judges.

The Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Institute is designed to prepare high school students desiring careers in the medical field, while providing a pathway to industry-based certification. During the 10 week program, scholars receive training in vital lifesaving and support techniques, trauma response, and learn about different career paths. Scholars receive paid worksite visits and have the opportunity to shadow emergency responders. Upon the successful completion of the EMR institute, students obtain their EMR license and CPR certification.

UREC sponsors the Grandparent Information Center in partnership with the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Information Center of Louisiana (GRGICL). UREC provides housing to seniors living in Urban Villa’s “Grandparent’s House” apartments. GRGICL provides supportive services to grandparents residing at Grandparents House. Learn more here.

UREC partners with Glen Oaks High School to offer the Security Dads program. The Security Dads program was implemented in hopes of bringing more fathers into the life of schools. The fathers help in several different ways including, mentoring the youth and providing food for events. These dads also provide a visible male parental presence at school sponsored events and other student-based activities to serve as a deterrent to student misbehavior.

Whiz Kids is an academically based, after-school program with engaging enrichment classes and activities for students in grades 2nd – 6th. The academic component of the program focuses on improving student performance in the subject areas of Math and English Language Arts. The program’s enrichment classes focus on development of the student via STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities. The program operates at Glen Oaks Park Elementary and GEO Prep Academy – Mid-City Campus.