About us

Our Mission

Our mission is to transform the lives of urban youth through academic enrichment and community service opportunities for students in Kindergarten-12th grade.

Our Impact

Urban Scholar Academy was created to advance equity by providing high-quality after-school programs for underserved K–12 students in the Inglewood and Los Angeles area.

Since 2012, we have been able to service over +1,000 youth in which we are proud of the following outcomes:

We have produced three short films and a proof-of-concept film showcased to thousands in the local area and across the country.
74% of film scholars shared that the program influenced their decision to pursue film or television studies after high school, underscoring the program’s advancement of CTE pathways.
During the 2024-2025 school year, students within our tutoring program grew 1.44 grade levels in reading and 0.89 grade level in math.

We’ve established a learning facility, in the heart of Inglewood, to ensure equity in education; providing resources that aren’t readily available at home.
We created the first ever WWE learning center in the entire country!
90% of parents highly recommend our academy to other parents/guardians, in which we receive weekly referrals.

urban scholar academy Founders

Alexis Coleman

Certificated Teacher & Executive Director (Emeritus)

Alexis is a passionate and transformative educator that works tirelessly inspiring urban youth to strive for excellence. During her time as an educator for LAUSD, Alexis developed & supervised social fellowship, awareness campaign activities, and corporate sponsorship programs that secured donations to fund annual events and programs for over 4,000 students, parents, and local community members.

As Urban Scholar Academy’s co-founder & executive director, Alexis has developed and supervised “award winning” programs (Homework Club, Tutoring, Distance Learning & Seasonal Camps); growing the organization’s base from twelve to over eight hundred families served, in which students grow 214% faster towards mastering math & reading Common Core standards and over 16,000 individualized tutoring sessions have been conducted.

The honors and awards Alexis has received during her 18-year educational career exemplify her commitment to the community and education. Among these honors include being a recipient of the 2023 WWE Community Champion Award, 2022 Super Bowl LVI Legacy Champion Award , 2021 & 2020 Los Angeles Clippers’ “Community Hero” Award, 2020 Global Giving/Red Backpack National Female Entrepreneur Award & 2020 Faithful Central Bible Church’s “Most Innovative Teacher” Award; a 2019 Heah Girlfriend Network Business Entrepreneur honoree, a 2010 John Legend’s Show Me Campaign grant recipient, 2011 Seventy-Fourth Street Elementary School’s Making a Difference Award recipient and the 2007 AEMP Spirit Teacher of the Year award recipient. Additionally, Alexis was recently chosen as an Urban Institute’s 2025 Inglewood Education Award Winner & 2023 LA Works’ Civic Leadership and Impact Award nominee among hundreds of nominated individuals throughout Los Angeles county.

Recently, Alexis was selected as one of twenty Black leaders within the nation to participate in the Institute of Nonprofit Practice’s Black Leadership Institute 18-month program (2022-2023). Additionally, she is also a member of the Community Response System of South Los Angeles (CRSSLA) and Los Angeles African-American Women’s Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI). Alexis received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in African-American Studies (2002) and her Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum & Instruction (2004) from Howard University, Washington, D.C.

Imhotep Coleman

Film/Television Director & College Instructor

Imhotep Coleman’s journey in the world of television and motion pictures has been marked by unwavering dedication, creative brilliance, and a commitment to community enrichment. As a distinguished Assistant Director and member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), Imhotep has played a pivotal role in the success of numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful productions. His exceptional skills have made him a sought-after talent in the entertainment industry and has helped me transition into a new role as an Full-Time Professor, Film Production at West Los Angeles College where he was recently awarded as the Alex Trebek Fellowship for his remarkable teaching strategies.

A key milestone in Imhotep’s professional journey was his graduation from the prestigious DGA’s Assistant Directors/Producers Training Program. This intensive program honed his craft, providing him with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in his role as an Assistant Director. In recognition of his expertise and passion for nurturing new talent, Imhotep was elected as a board member of the DGA’s Training Program in January 2023. This appointment underscores his commitment to giving back to the industry that has been his creative playground for many years.

Beyond his flourishing career in film and television, Imhotep Coleman embodies the spirit of community engagement. He is a dedicated advisory member for Faithful Central’s Bible Church “Rites of Passage” program, where he contributes his wisdom and mentorship to shape the lives of young individuals on their journey to adulthood. Imhotep’s involvement in this program reflects his profound belief in the power of mentorship and education to uplift communities. Additionally, he also serves on the church’s scholarship committee. Imhotep’s academic journey commenced at Howard University, Washington, D.C., where he pursued his passion for storytelling, earning a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Radio, Television, and Film in 2001. This educational foundation has been the bedrock of his successful career, enabling him to bring compelling stories to life on screen.

One of Imhotep’s most significant contributions to the industry is his role as the supervisor of the Urban Scholar Film Academy, a weekend program designed to empower high school youth with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the competitive film and television industry. Imhotep’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of talent highlights his commitment to ensuring the industry’s continued growth and diversity.

Imhotep and his wife, Alexis, originally hail from Kansas City, Missouri, but currently call Inglewood, California, home, where they continue to foster their shared dreams and passions. The couple takes immense pride in their roles as parents to two boys who are not only filled with love but are also destined for success, embodying the values and determination that define the Coleman family.