The Uplift Institute has a rich history dating back more than 25 years. In 1992, the concept of the Uplift Institute was conceived in Philadelphia, PA by three African American male college students who felt a calling to provide opportunity while they, themselves, were still growing professionally. They recognized local school districts were often challenged in supporting urban students. The schools didn't always provide these students the tools to prepare them for higher learning. The group founders unofficially called themselves "Uplift University" and opened a career exploration, tutoring and SAT preparation program near the campus of Drexel University. In 1994, Uplift University held it's first education and career fair at a small event hall in West Philadelphia. Drawing over 25 colleges and 250 students, the first fair became a template and grew in frequency from annual to semi-annual through 2005. Uplift officially became Uplift, Inc. in 1994 and the non-profit arm formed the Uplift Institute in 2000. Uplift, Inc. operated as a community-based, workforce development staffing company. Under the Uplift umbrella of services, over 1500 employees were placed into jobs and 5000 students were assisted in preparing for higher education goals over a 12-year period. 

Today, the Uplift Institute is transforming into a global entity that knows no borders in education, urban support training and regenerative infrastructure. We have evolved into a Global Service Trust focused on fortifying a network of sustainable and resilient communities worldwide. Through EduRecon (Education Resilience on Every Continent), Uplift Institute continues to provide its educational empowerment concepts.