In 1988, Anthony Martin a sports marketing expert who wished to provide exposure to young students concerning career opportunities in the field of motorsports; founded the Urban Youth Racing School (UYRS), is a non-stock, non-profit organization designed to promote science and mathematics classes in the youth of today. The program has been devoted and committed to providing exposure to young students regarding career opportunities in the field of motorsports. Over the years the organization has become momentously known for being sponsored by General Motors and Chevrolet for over 21 years and largely being an educational initiative to promote science, math education, and careers through exposing these students to the processes and operations of the billion-dollar motorsports industry in the United States (Urban Youth Racing School, 2021).
Growing up in the Western section of Philadelphia, Martin was very fond of racing since a young child. However, the price to watch any racing event would be tough for his family to fit into their budget. The aforementioned did not stop him from his lifetime passion for the sport. Once he entered the sports marketing career, the idea of putting up a learning center for children in the same situation as he was growing up was always on his mind. Today the center has been able to mentor over 3500 children since its inception, and there is a measure of success for both the children and for Martin, who is determined to provide a brighter future for the children so that they stay in school, finish high school, and move on to college (George, 2006). Martin’s desire to provide more economic opportunities for the children so that they will be able to enjoy a better life as they get older has been in the heart of Martin ever since he thought of opening this initiative. When a child leaves high school and decides to go through college, there is no one happier than Martin himself. He did not have many economic opportunities early on in life, and therefore is now extremely determined and devoted to providing inner-city children with such opportunities that are difficult to come by for these children.
Check out how our conversation went with Anthony Martin Founder/ Executive Director, Urban Youth Racing School and Co-Founder, What It Takes Foundation, as he reflects on his nationally admired innovative educational program that introduces urban students to “STEM” – science, technology, engineering, and math using a motorsports framework.
Troy Mack: What do you find most rewarding about the program?
Anthony Martin: To have the opportunity to provide our communities and youth with a positive outlet. While simultaneously applying the science of human performance in motorsport for 20 years.
Troy Mack: How do you define success with the program?
Anthony Martin: Having our students and youth become productive and successful citizens in society as they go on to be intellectual contributors.
Troy Mack: Who are your Role Models and what led you to become one of the first of your kind?
Anthony Martin: My Uncle Marvin. Because of his massive support, empowerment of this vision, and belief in me to support my vision to support the dreams of our youth.
Troy Mack: How do you see the UYRS growing and extending in the sports marketing field?
Anthony Martin: With venture capital, sponsorship, and money. By commitment, dedication to our task and purpose, and not just a job.
Troy Mack: What are some of the expansions, do you envision in the next five years?
Anthony Martin: Though go-karts tracks and jobs. We will grow by the means of more self-service advertisement and marketing for revenue. With venture capital, sponsorship, and money. By commitment, dedication to our task and purpose, and not just a job.
“I feel like our program right now is really something that would be solid for them (the community and youth)” said Anthony Martin.
References
Urban Youth Racing School. 2021. About Us. Retrieved from: uyrs.com/about-us/
George, J. 2006. Racing to Help Urban Kids. Retrieved from: https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2006/02/27/story3.html
