Leap Forward with Honda: Expanding Mobility, Empowering Youth

At United for College + Career Success (UFCS), we believe mobility is more than just moving from point A to point B—it’s a gateway to possibility. For the young people we serve, especially opportunity youth aged 16 to 24 who are disconnected from school and the workforce, access to reliable transportation is often the missing link between struggle and success.

That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of Leap Forward: Expanding Mobility for Opportunity Youth Through Comprehensive Support Systems, made possible by a generous grant from Honda.

Why Mobility Matters

Transportation is often overlooked in conversations about education and workforce development—but it’s one of the most critical challenges our youth face. Without a way to get to school, internships, job interviews, training programs, or even mentorship sessions, opportunity youth are locked out of the very systems designed to help them thrive.

In cities like Houston, where public transportation is limited and unevenly distributed, this barrier becomes even more pronounced. Many of the young people we work with are motivated and ready to build their futures—but they simply can’t get there.

What Leap Forward Will Do

Leap Forward is designed to remove transportation as a barrier and create more direct, sustainable pathways to success. Through this initiative, UFCS will:

• Expand Access: Provide financial stipends and rideshare solutions that help youth consistently access school, work, and career prep opportunities.

   

• Empower with Tools: Integrate mobility planning into our existing GRADegy platform, helping students organize and plan their transportation needs as part of their larger college and career goals.

   

• Educate for Independence: Offer workshops on transportation literacy, sustainable mobility, and long-term planning such as getting a driver’s license or saving for car ownership.

   

This program doesn’t just offer a ride—it offers a roadmap. One that helps young people get to where they need to be, both physically and in life.

A Shared Vision with Honda

Honda has long championed innovation, community support, and forward-thinking solutions. Their commitment to expanding mobility and removing barriers for underserved communities aligns perfectly with our mission at UFCS. Through their support, we’re able to reach more youth, create more impact, and deliver long-term solutions—not just temporary fixes.

Building for the Future

Leap Forward is more than a transportation program—it’s a piece of a bigger picture. At UFCS, we understand that success for young people requires comprehensive, interconnected systems of support. By adding mobility to the equation, we’re strengthening our ability to help youth navigate their journey to college, careers, and beyond.

We will continue to track student engagement, participation, and outcomes through our GRADegy platform to ensure this initiative leads to lasting, measurable impact.

We are deeply grateful to Honda for their trust and investment in the future of young people. Together, we are breaking down barriers and building up communities—one mile, one student, one opportunity at a time.