One U City

We are a community-led organization of volunteers dedicated to serving all children in the School District of University City. Our actions are rooted in creating an equitable, inclusive, and joyful community.

Organization History:

In 2019 a team of parents and alumni from across the School District of University City recognized that the traditional PTO systems we had in place were perpetuating systemic inequities and harming our children and our community. In partnership with our Superintendent, Dr. Sharonica Hardin-Bartley, we committed to change and to engage our community in new ways and in July of 2022, One U City was officially born. 

In our first year we saw levels of engagement and connection across our schools that we previously could have only imagined. Our Enrichment and Volunteer team coordinated a robust and equitable Lego League serving children at every elementary school for the first time. Barbara C. Jordan Elementary hosted a family game night with over 100 families in attendance. We have sustained strong engagement levels at our community meetings reaching families who previously felt disenfranchised by the traditional PTO model and have community leadership that is truly representative of our school communities.

University City School District has roughly 2,600 students in grades PreK-12. There is one early childhood center, four elementary schools, one middle, and one high school. The majority of students who attend University City Schools qualify for free and reduced lunch. 80% of the students identify as Black or African American, 15% as white, and 5% as Hispanic or Latino. The elementary schools are largely racially segregated along the Olive Divide, as is the community of University City.

What your contributions will be used for:

Funds raised through  Give STL Day  will support family and community events both district wide, and at individual schools. Some examples of district wide activities and events that supported by 1UC are: 

• Trunk or Treat & Pumpkin Stroll
• U Spark!- A celebration of what makes our community unique with food, performances, and community organizations.
• Teacher Appreciation week 
• All-District Kick Backs- with music, food, basketball, games and friends!
• Lego League

Each school also receives a budget to use as determined by their school community. Some examples of past school-based events are: 

• Family Game Night 
• Family Bingo Night
• JP Jamboree
• Party in the Park 
• Sneaker Ball
• Movie Night on the blacktop 

Check out more information on community and school events in the images below!