UYRS team and students
Urban Youth Racing School

About Us

Empowering underserved youth through motorsports-based STEM education since 1998

About Us

Urban Youth Racing School

URBAN YOUTH was born out of the highly successful Urban Youth Racing School, established in Philadelphia in 1998 by Anthony Martin. With a 28-year track record of success behind us, as well as national recognition, we look forward to reversing the plight of urban youth in this country by creating opportunities, igniting careers and transforming lives while uplifting our community.

With plans to expand in the coming years and incentive programs like the Build A Dream Motorsports Program, we see an exciting road ahead. Moving forward, Urban Youth will begin using augmented and virtual reality as an extension to our curriculums to provide students and teachers around the globe with a new interactive way to learn.

Urban Youth Racing School students at a NASCAR race weekend
Chevrolet
28+Years of Impact

Here are some key activities that UYRS
engages in the community to support its mission:

Motorsports Education

UYRS offers a range of programs that use motorsports to engage young people in STEM education, including hands-on training in automotive mechanics, driving instruction, and team management.

Career Development

UYRS provides young people with career development opportunities, including job training, internships, and connections to employers in the motorsports industry and related fields.

Youth Mentoring

UYRS provides mentorship and support to young people, helping them to build the confidence, leadership skills, and other important life skills they need to succeed.

Community Outreach

UYRS engages with the local community through a variety of outreach activities, including public speaking events, community service projects, and partnerships with other local organizations.

Diversity and Inclusion

UYRS is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the motorsports industry and beyond. Through their programs, UYRS seeks to break down barriers and create opportunities for young people from underserved communities.

UYRS is an organization that provides young people with valuable educational and career opportunities.

UYRS racing event

Our Mission

Urban Youth Racing School's mission is to provide inner-city and underprivileged youth with opportunities in motorsports and the automotive industries through academic enrichment, leadership development, and exposure to career opportunities in the automotive and motorsports industries. We aim to empower and inspire young people to achieve their full potential and become positive, productive members of their communities by:

Provides a pipeline of talent from communities of color for STEM based career paths

Providing urban youth with a knowledge and an awareness of the career opportunities within the motorsports and automotive industry

Serve as a grassroots driver development program for inner city youth who would not otherwise have an opportunity to race

Provide a vehicle to expand and diversify the fan base of motorsports

Positively impact the life trajectory for at risk youth

Anthony Martin

Anthony Martin

Founder / Executive Director

Urban Youth, Inc.

UYRS Board Member

Jim Farmer

Jim Farmer

Chairman, UYRS

Pres. James E. Farmer Consultant Inc.

UYRS Board Member

John Cohen

John Cohen

Owner, NASCAR Team NY Racing

UYRS Board Member

Hill Harper

Hill Harper

Actor, Activist, Author

UYRS Board Member

Donna Frisby Greenwood

Donna Frisby Greenwood

VP at PEW Charitable Trust

UYRS Board Member

Tony Tucker

Tony Tucker

Sr Associate Vice President of Athletics and Director of Athletics

UYRS Board Member

AM
Anthony Martin headshot

Anthony Martin

Founder / Executive Director

Urban Youth Racing School

UYRS Board Member

MM
Michelle Martin headshot

Michelle Martin

Chief Operating Officer

Urban Youth Racing School

RS
Reggie Showers headshot

Reggie Showers

Lead Instructor

EB
Ed Butler headshot

Ed Butler

Instructor

JO
Jay Ortiz headshot

Jay Ortiz

STEM Program Coordinator

CL
Chris Lawrence headshot

Chris Lawrence

STEM Instructor

GM
Gianna Martin headshot

Gianna Martin

STEM Program Asst.

TJ
Tylynn Johnstone headshot

Tylynn Johnstone

STEM Program Assistant

DK
Danny Kilson headshot

Danny Kilson

Racing League (UYRL) Instructor

DB
Dillon Brennan headshot

Dillon Brennan

Racing League iRacing Sim Coach

JM
Jonnie Muench headshot

Jonnie Muench

Racing League Sim Tech

RS
Ron Sizer headshot

Ron Sizer

Lead CNC Instructor

Our Values

What Drives Us

Empowerment

Building confidence and capability in every young person we serve.

Innovation

Using cutting-edge technology and motorsports to make learning exciting.

Excellence

98% high school graduation rate among program participants.

Equity

Creating opportunities for underserved youth who have been excluded from racing and STEM industries.

Our Impact

Numbers That Matter

0k+

Students Helped

0%

Graduation Rate

0%

College Acceptance

0+

Volunteers

Make an Impact

Help Us Change Lives

Your donation directly supports STEM education, mentorship programs, and career exposure for underserved youth in Philadelphia. Every dollar makes a difference.