Blog
Helping Partners Grow through Capacity Grants
Youth Forward MKE is investing in change. So far this year, they’ve provided $400,000 in Partner Capacity Building Grants to five local youth-serving organizations. The funding, informed by discussions with youth ambassadors and the larger coalition, is intended to expand the work of coalition partners and fuel their innovative youth-centered programming.
The Community Speaks Out on the Failure to Invest in Child Care Counts
The legislature’s disappointing decision not to fund Child Care Counts will have far-reaching consequences for ECE in Milwaukee, yet the move has served to strengthen the community’s calls for change and invigorate the search for new opportunities to support the sector.
Youth Drive the Discussion on Change during In-Person Meeting
On June 21, Youth Forward MKE hosted its first ever in-person meeting, which blended youth-led discussions with immersive data and thought partnership. Despite the heat and the sun beating down on the rooftop of CORE El Centro, where the event was held, nearly 30 youth, staff and partners showed up to listen, learn and support our mission of reshaping education in Milwaukee.
New Report Unpacks the Economics of Wisconsin ECE
On May 12, the Wisconsin Policy Forum released a new report on early childhood education (ECE) emphasizing the economic challenges currently plaguing the sector, along with the associated burdens placed on families, employees and operators.
ECE Ambassadors and Advocates Address Joint Finance Committee
Parents, early educators, businesses, civic leaders and more turned up to the Joint Finance Committee listening session on April 5 to speak out about their struggles. Combined, their experiences painted a stark picture of the widespread child care crisis across the state.
Milwaukee Raises its Voice for ECE
In honor of Week of the Young Child 2023, educators, families and advocates from across Milwaukee raised their voices in support of early childhood education (ECE). The collection of personal stories showcased the many benefits of high-quality ECE for children, families and employers, but it also highlighted the ongoing challenges.