Community impact: Nathan’s path to success

Through the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Nathan acquired the skills to build a successful future.  If you know of a nonprofit like the Urban League that could leverage Uber’s technology to solve challenges in our community, we want to hear from them. Nonprofits are invited to submit a proposal for the Uber NW Community Impact Initiative before the April 16 deadline.

Put yourself in the shoes of a young man named Nathan who recently graduated from high school with little direction—you’re desperate to change your situation, but don’t know where to turn for help.

Serving the Seattle community for over 90 years, Urban League is a champion of hope and inclusivity. As a beneficiary of the Uber NW Community Impact Initiative, it received over $60,000 in funding and free Uber rides in 2017 and 2018 to support the Career Bridge program. By promoting workforce development programs and removing transportation barriers, students like Nathan have a chance for a better future.

Discovering a path

Nathan was recommended to Career Bridge by his mother, a former graduate of the program. While enrolled, he received training and access to internships that allowed him to explore his passion for machinery. Donated Uber trips closed the transportation gap for Nathan, enabling him to attend every class and arrive on time.

“I was waking up 3 to 4 hours early, to make sure I was on time to catch the bus. Uber reduced my commute to about 30 minutes. I got to sleep more and my attendance was amazing. I never missed any days.”

Thanks to the program and the free rides, Nathan is well on his way to a successful career. He currently works at Centrix, an aerospace engineering company, loving his job as a machine operator.

Partnering for success

We’re proud to partner with the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle and support its mission to help young adults like Nathan reach their potential. As the nonprofit’s President and CEO Michelle Merriweather notes, “Partnering with Uber has made a positive impact and lasting change on the lives of our young people. There were less missed days and around a 90% graduation rate!”