The Urban Learning Center is a gateway to postsecondary education and lifelong learning for under served populations of urban northern Kentucky. It was established in 1998 as a partnership between Thomas More College (TMC), Northern Kentucky University (NKU), Center for Great Neighborhoods of Covington (formerly Covington Community Center), Covington Independent Public Schools, and Forward Quest. Later Gateway Community and Technical College (GCTC) Newport Independent Schools, Dayton Independent Schools, and the Scripps Howard Foundation joined the partnership.

The Urban Learning Center (ULC) offers training, education, and personal development classes to low income urban residents. These classes provide opportunities for students to improve knowledge and work skills, enhance employment and career options, complete certificate programs, and continue their education at local colleges. The classes are taught by instructors from the partnering institutions (Thomas More College, Gateway Community and Technical College, and Northern Kentucky University), providing students with the opportunity to earn college credit. The mission of the ULC is to eliminate financial, transportation, childcare, and lack of confidence barriers for students wishing to pursue college level courses.