Impact Report
About Us
The Austin Area Urban League (AAUL) was established in 1977 as part of the National Urban League’s mission to empower African Americans and underserved communities. Over the decades, AAUL has grown into a cornerstone of advocacy and support in Central Texas, addressing critical issues like economic inequality, housing access, education, and health disparities. With a legacy of impactful programs and a commitment to social justice, AAUL continues to champion equity and opportunity for all.
Vision
The vision of the Austin Area Urban League is to provide an opportunity for equitable quality of life to all its residents, in all aspects of life.
Mission
The mission of the Austin Area Urban League is to provide tools to African Americans and under-served populations to build a foundation for social and economic equity and equality.
2024 Highlights
As we close the chapter on 2024 and step into the promise of 2025, my heart is full of gratitude for each of you who have walked this journey with us. The Austin Area Urban League exists because of you—your courage, your resilience, and your unwavering belief that together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future.
In Education & Youth Development
The Education and Youth Development (EYD) department had a transformative year in 2024, achieving key milestones that empowered local youth and strengthened community engagement. In January, AAUL’s first all-Black girl Lego League robotics team debuted, followed by the AAUL FTC Robotics Team competing in February. April saw the “Eclipse Explorers” event in partnership with the Thinkery, drawing 400 families. The G.I.R.L. Mentorship Program launched in May, and in August, the Back2School Bash, in collaboration with Thigs DiamondKutz Barbershop, providedover 200 backpacks to students. In November, EYD secured weekly STEM and robotics classes at Austin Achieve, and the College and Career Fair brought together 80 students and 11 HBCUs. December marked the establishment of partnerships with the NECHS Garden Club and the NECHS Entrepreneurship/Business Management Program. These achievements reflect EYD’s dedication to expanding educational access and fostering youth success.
Data Summary
In Health & Wellness
The Health & Wellness department achieved significant milestones this year, starting with a community conversation on COVID-19 and vaccine education that drew 25 attendees. Recognized for their impactful efforts, the AAUL Health & Wellness team was selected to continue work on the All In campaign, promoting healthand vaccine equitywhile protecting diversecommunities from COVID-19. Their accomplishments were furtherhighlighted by a National Urban League award for their work with the Centers for Disease Controland Prevention (CDC). The team also made strides in community support through the Feed the 5,000 initiative, distributing 390 meals, assisting 140 clients in securing permanent housing, and providing 94 two-year bus passes to those in need.
Data Summary
In Workforce & Career Development
The Workforce & Career Development department achieved remarkable success this year, focusing on helping the general and reentry populations secure full-time employment and equipping both skilled and unskilled individuals with the knowledge and tools neededfor meaningful careers. Highlights include receiving a National UrbanLeague Award for Excellence in Engagement and hosting AAUL’s first annual Expungement Clinic, whichhelped 20 participants remove charges from their criminal history. The team launched a Lunch and Learn initiative to enhance recruitment efforts and fostered partnerships for the Growth Opportunity program, securing 22 collaborative partners. AAUL was selected from 93 affiliates to receive the Verizon Upskill Grant, and the AARP program was extended for another six months. In total, Workforce & Career Development served over 300 participants, with an average salary of $18 or more, helping to improve lives and create sustainable career paths.
Data Summary
In Housing & Community Development
The Housing and Community Development department demonstrated resilience and dedication in 2024, overcoming significant challenges to make a lasting impact on the community. Despite a three-month funding shutdown, the team’s unwavering commitment led to the successful completion of 67 minor home repair projects by the end of the fiscal year, thanks to strong partnerships with Meals on Wheels and Rebuilding Together Austin. The department set ambitious goals for the year, targeting 67 minor repairs, 3 plumbing projects, and 30 Go Repair projects. To date, they have enrolled 40 participants for minor home repairs, 3 for plumbing,and 20 for Go Repair, reflecting steady progress despite delays. The department’s relentless focus on improving lives and strengthening communities ensures that more families will benefit from safe and secure housing in the year ahead.
Data Summary
In Justice & Advocacy
The Justice & Advocacy Division had a transformative year in 2024, making significant strides across housing, environmental advocacy, legal reform, and voter education. Through strategic community engagements, public testimonies, and impactful events, the division successfully mobilized resources and amplified its mission of community empowerment. Highlights include the MLK Day Activation, which engaged 52 attendees in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the Earth Day Activation, which drew 1,000 participants for environmental advocacy. Advocacy efforts like the Planning Commission Testimony in April, which advocated for housing improvements under the HOMES Phase 2 project, and the Police Contract City Council Vote Testimony in October, with over 250 attendees underscored the division’s commitment to justice and equity. Other notable events included the Rural Disproportionality Conference, Counsel at First Appearance Townhall, and the Know Before You Go Delta Event, which focused on voter education.
Data Summary
Other Initiatives
Equity & Excellence Project
2024 Highlights
The Equity & Excellence Project (EEP) made significant strides in 2024, promoting equitable access and holistic family health while empowering parents and students. The team organized four successful Dinner and Learn events, fostering community engagement and advocacy. An Equity and Excellence webpage was created as a centralized resource hub for parents and stakeholders, while personalized, one-on-one support was provided to help families navigate school policies and procedures with confidence. A comprehensive equity report of AISD identified opportunities for systemic improvement, furthering the project’s mission. Notable achievements include receiving the Austin Voices for Excellent Community Service Award, securing a $1,000 Thinkery stipend for the Solar Eclipseinitiative, and establishing partnerships with Texas State University and the University of Texas, hosting one intern from each institution. These accomplishments highlight the project’s commitment to impactful education and community leadership.
Pathway To Career
2024 Highlights
The Pathway to a Career program, a cornerstone of the Workforce and Career Development department, had a significant impact in 2024, equipping students with essential job readiness skillsto thrive in today’s competitive workforce. Over the course of three weeks, students gained confidence in digital skills, mastered Microsoft Word, and basic Excel, built, or enhanced their resumes, explored AI tools like ChatGPT, and created Indeed accounts. The program culminated in mock Zoom interviews, preparing participants for real-world job opportunities.
Young Professionals
2024 Highlights
The Austin Area Urban League Young Professionals (AAUL YP) is a vibrant group of passionate leaders and innovators aged 21 to 40, dedicated to empowering the BIPOC community through advocacy, volunteering, and professional development. As a cornerstone of the Urban League movement, AAUL YP focuses on cultivating future leaders who advance equity, amplify underrepresented voices, and create lasting, meaningful change in the community.
Take The Impact Report With You
Download this year’s report to view the highlights in full and see the impact AAUL has had on the community.