Commitment to
Progress and
Unity in Our Community.
United Wilmington Youth Foundation empowers youth through scholarships, STEM education, community service, and holistic development — building a stronger Wilmington since 1992.
Building the future of Wilmington — one youth at a time.
UWYF was founded in 1992 in response to escalating gang tension — with the vision to restore peace and create alternative programs. Today we are an established 501(c)(3) non-profit serving the entire Wilmington community.
Our programs provide educational opportunities, promote strong pathways to port careers, and empower the entire community to advocate for a higher standard of living.
Programs that transform empathy into action.
Scholarship Program
Annual college scholarships honoring the Chicano Moratorium and promoting unity and cultural awareness. 1st place: $2,000.
Code for the Future
A pilot Computer Science program broadening participation in coding for minority students and girls, in partnership with the Port of LA.
Workshop Series
Holistic youth development workshops: civic engagement, leadership, financial aid, mental wellness, public speaking, and more.
Born from a commitment to end the cycle of violence.
United Wilmington Youth Foundation — also known as UWYF — was founded in 1992 in response to escalating gang tension, with the objective to restore peace and create alternative programs.
UWYF was an important movement that needed to evolve in order to create a cease fire between rival Wilmington gangs — the East and West sides — following years of violence that had plagued the city.
Today, UWYF is an established 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works with existing partners to foster, build, and encourage a more united community.
Robert A. Trani, a lifelong Wilmington resident and Founder of UWYF, realized he needed to do something to end the violence. His vision was to unite the community — and UWYF was born. After serving years in state and federal prison, Robert's passion to break the cycle of violence led him to partner with local city officials and businesses to create a safe environment for youth and the entire community.
"Commitment to Progress and Unity in Our Community"
— UWYF Motto
Who We Are
- Grassroots organization — Wilmington, CA
- Funded entirely by donations
- Created and managed by lifelong Wilmington residents
- We serve our community
Our Philosophy
Our main goal is to guide and inspire our youth to make good choices as they navigate into adulthood. Our board members serve as a support system — ensuring youth pursue leadership, self-esteem, and cultural identity.
Three pillars hold up everything we build.
Cultural Awareness
Honoring our heritage through the La Maravilla Mural restoration and Chicano/a cultural identity programs.
Education
Scholarships, STEM training, and college exploration that open pathways to port careers and beyond.
Youth Empowerment
Workshops and service learning that build leadership, self-esteem, and civic engagement.
Bringing hope into focus.
Moments that define our mission — each one a life changed, a community strengthened.
Youth Celebration — Community Gathering
UWYF Archive
Scholarship Awards — Banning High, June 2019
UWYF Archive
STEM Mural — Wilmington Middle School
UWYF Archive
Voter Registration Drive
UWYF Archive
Workshop Series — Youth Activity
UWYF Archive
Empowerment is an investment in human potential.
Your contribution directly supports scholarships, STEM education, community beautification, and youth development workshops in Wilmington.