The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and one of the oldest affiliates within the National Urban League movement. Since 1919, the doors opened to the at-large Boston community and surrounding metropolitan area residents, ULEM has been employing a multi-point strategy to deliver services and programs which aim to increase self-reliance, specifically in the area of workforce and economic development.

The mission of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts is to enable adults in Eastern MA to overcome racial, social barriers, economic inequities, sexual and domestic violence to employment and economic development opportunities. For 100 years, ULEM’s programs and services have given hope to participants and made a lasting, impactful statement in the community.

Focusing on this overarching goal leads us to provide opportunities for every person that walks through our door to realize economic empowerment through necessary- and mid-level skills training, certifications, internships, and job placements.

Offering programs and services at no cost to every participant, we facilitate an array of skills-training classes and workshops which cover a variety of job skills and expertise; servicing the unemployed and underemployed, and pull together resource from both the non-profit and corporate partners. All program participants receive case management services, inclusive of domestic/sexual violence victim awareness, and employment placement assistance. ULEM also operates an Employment Resource Center, which is available to anyone who needs computer access to attain employment.

The programs and services offered are supported by two annual projects: (1) Jobs Rebuild Boston Community Conference and Career Fair and (2) the Diversity & Inclusion Breakfast. Additional to the programs mentioned above, the League offers two auxiliary groups: the Urban League of Eastern MA Guild and the Young Professionals Network of the Urban League of Eastern MA, both groups have open membership, facilitate events and workshops and serve the community in alignment with ULEM’s mission and strategic goals.

Holistically, through the three channels, the ULEM – along with its auxiliaries: the ULEM Guild and YPN-ULEM – serves thousands of people annually.