Urban Dove was founded in 1998 with the belief that all children, regardless of their economic or social background, should be taught the critical skills needed to succeed, and be given the support, encouragement, and opportunity to practice those skills in the real world. Toward that end, Urban Dove has dedicated itself to enriching the lives of New York City’s at-risk youth by creating a supportive, positive place where kids can develop these critical life-skills and build the confidence they need to reach their full potential.

Jai Nanda, a former coach and teacher, founded Urban Dove as a way to extend his “coach’s influence” beyond the court and his one team of players. Starting with one program, the Urban Dove began by teaching New York City at-risk youth life-skills through basketball. Urban Dove's unique formula of recreation and education proved very successful, and prompted Nanda to find new and innovative ways to energize, educate and empower today's youth. Now in its ninth year, the Urban Dove has four programs that serve hundreds of young people in dozens of schools and communities.