The mission of the Center for Urban Education (CUE) is to capitalize on the human capital and leveraged resources from a partnership of schools, community and college to ensure that children in high need, low-income urban neighborhoods achieve at high levels, attend and graduate from post-secondary education programs, and develop into community leaders and contributors.

CUE's theory of action is addressed through four interrelated components:

• The P-16 Zone for Student Achievement (the "Zone")
• The Urban Teacher Partnership (UTP) - Preparing Effective Educators for Urban Schools
• Community-based Resources and Support
• Network Development and Expansion