The University of the Streets was incorporated in 1969 as a non-profit educational organization, spearheaded by Muhammad Salahuddeen. Over the past 40 years U.O.T.S. has been committed to addressing the educational, vocational and cultural needs of the community. Initially, U.O.T.S was launched to help "deprived" youngsters break out of a hopeless poverty-cycle, although, the target population has expanded with respect to age and diversity over the years due to historical and economic impact.