Dear Friends of Unleashing Potential,
The St. Louis region is experiencing a dynamic transformation, emerging as a hub for technology, innovation, and sports. With the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and new tech businesses setting roots in St. Louis, a strong foundation in STEM education is more important than ever. This exciting period of growth demands celebration and strategic investment in our future leaders. Unleashing Potential is committed to equipping our next generation to be integral contributors to this thriving ecosystem.
Quality School Age Services for out-of-school time for students are essential to this mission. Our after-school care and summer enrichment programs provide a safe and supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and explore their interests. These programs are critical for preventing negative behavioral incidences that youth often face, while also fostering academic success, social-emotional development, and leadership skills.
Through our STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and social-emotional learning, we ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and build essential life skills in children from kindergarten to middle school. These experiences are crucial for cultivating the innovative thinkers and problem-solvers our city needs.
Strengthening the parent-child bond is necessary for child development. We are dedicated to partnering with families through our Strengthening Resilient Families program to create supportive environments that nurture growth and success for all.
With your support, we can continue to build upon the strengths of our remarkable children and families by empowering them to shape a brighter future for St. Louis.
Yours in Service,
Darlene Sowell
President & CEO
The mission of Unleashing Potential is to close the opportunity gap for children and youth by building on their strengths. We create educational and empowering experiences through early childhood education, after school programs, youth development and enrichment camps.
A St. Louis community where all children, youth and families live into their potential.
Unleashing Passion for respecting individuals while creating strong communities that empowers families and inspires children to their greatest potential.
Unleashing Power inspired by our faith-based legacy.
Unleashing Performance of dedicated staff to provide the highest quality of educational experiences for children and youth.
Unleashing Possibilities by affirming the resiliency of the children, youth and families we serve; building upon their own strength and capacity to overcome challenges.
Only the chief executive, board president, board chair, or other individual(s) designated by the board are authorized to speak with the media. The chief executive and the board designate shall collaborate on message development and coordinate who will handle which press inquiries.
Employees, board members (other than the chair) and members acting in a capacity within a committee or a caucus shall not make statements, provide information for distribution, or provide background information unless specifically directed to do so by the chief executive and/or the board.
Provided that they have prior permission to do so from the chief executive or the board, employees, board members, and members acting in a capacity with a committee, or a caucus shall speak publicly on behalf of Unleashing Potential only in accordance with established public speaking procedures.
Unleashing Potential values donor privacy and implements strict policies regarding the storage and destruction of confidential donor information. UP will not sell, share or trade our donors’ names or personal information with any other entity.
Unleashing Potential has a long and successful history serving children and their families in St. Louis. And, although the organization name, address and programs have changed over 113+ years, our dedication is still to bring educational and empowering experiences to St. Louis’ children and youth.
Unleashing Potential employs staff across the St. Louis City and County. Each team member is focused on discovering and unleashing the very best in each child served so they can reach their greatest potential.
ST LOUIS, MO – February 19, 2026 – Unleashing Potential (UP) announces the retirement of Darlene Sowell on May 29, 2026.