CONNECTING HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WORKFORCE TO STRENGTHEN URBAN COMMUNITIES
NCUS’s nationally recognized initiatives improve preventive care, workforce access, and economic mobility across the country.
In urban communities, health outcomes, access to education, and income stability are deeply connected. The National Center for Urban Solutions (NCUS) operates at the intersection of these challenges, building pathways that link workforce development, education, and community-based health initiatives to help individuals achieve long-term economic and personal stability.
That commitment to community-driven solutions was recognized nationally in 2025, when NCUS TEC and the African American Male Wellness Agency (AAMWA), both part of the NCUS enterprise, were selected for the SB100 Best of Small Business Award by the Small Business Expo.
“In urban communities, health, education, and economic opportunity cannot be addressed in silos,” said Drs. Gregory. “When people have access to preventive care, quality education, and clear workforce pathways, entire families and neighborhoods become more stable. NCUS was built on the belief that lasting change happens when these systems work together, and our results show what’s possible when communities are supported holistically.”
NCUS’s work spans across the country and socioeconomic areas. The Academy for Urban Scholars High School and the Africentric Personal Development Shop, Inc. (APDS) are among the organizations operated under NCUS, addressing educational access and providing family services that support long-term economic stability and stronger families.
In 2025, NCUS’s impact was demonstrated through the measurable achievements of NCUS TEC and AAMWA, reaching thousands of learners and community members nationwide.
NCUS TEC offers training programs in manufacturing, fiber optics, construction, healthcare, and information technology. In 2025, the organization served more than 10,000 individuals through workforce training and education initiatives, delivering programs designed to meet labor market demand while creating clear pathways to employment and advancement.
More than 80 percent of participants secure jobs after completion, earning $25 to $35 per hour, while advanced manufacturing programs train hundreds in electrical systems, robotics, and mechanical technologies, equipping learners for career-track roles and long-term economic stability.
During the year, AAMWA initiatives supported by NCUS, Black Men’s Wellness Day, Real Men Real Talk, and Uplift Her, engaged over 100,000 participants in 20 cities, providing more than 20,000 preventive health screenings. Results revealed significant unmet needs, with nearly 90 percent of men screened identified with elevated blood pressure. Among women, approximately 67.5 percent were classified as having high blood pressure, and more than 40 percent were found to be in a hypertensive crisis, requiring immediate medical attention. Mental wellness efforts engaged 6,500 individuals, supported by over 300 licensed professionals.
Together, these efforts reflect the NCUS integrated model and long-standing commitment to addressing social and economic barriers holistically rather than in isolation. In 2026, the enterprise will continue to grow as NCUS TEC expands training into Phoenix, AZ; Norman, OK; and Atlanta, GA, while AAMWA’s Black Men’s Wellness Day initiative reaches new communities in Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; St. Louis, MO; Tampa Bay, FL; and Las Vegas, NV—extending opportunity, access, and care to cities nationwide.