Success Stories
Our Success Stories were born out of our ongoing commitment to data. Each story dives into a different program or event, showcasing participant quotes, survey results, highlights and opportunities for growth.
Plus, check out our new Impact Report to get a big-picture look at how our capacity grants are bolstering youth-centered programming in the city.
Peer-led Mental Health Supports
SKY Schools’ stress reduction curriculum not only expands students’ toolboxes when it comes to emotional regulation, but it also demonstrates what a truly youth-led mental health program can look like. This curriculum is a response to students’ consistent demand for mental health supports during the school day.
“We’re seeing the evidence that this breathwork can work and help students to move forward in their lives. However, we still need buy-in from more adults to support and create this type of space for our young people.”– Matt Nink, SKY Schools
TFA’s Teacher Pathway Program
Teach For America (TFA) finds, develops and supports equity-oriented leaders to transform education and expand opportunity for all children. At TFA Milwaukee, this work includes the newly created Teacher Pathway Program, which positions students as the next generation of teachers.
“The next generation of Milwaukee teachers are currently students in Milwaukee classrooms...Students are learning the impact that teachers have not only on their schools but on their communities.” – Michael Nguyen, Teach for America Milwaukee
Youth Ambassador Program
MENTOR Greater Milwaukee (MGM) seeks to increase both the quality and quantity of mentoring relationships in Milwaukee. Their capacity grant went toward 4 projects: professional development for staff, community engagement, the Youth Voice Summit and peer mentoring.
“Youth should be the ones speaking about the issues, not the adults. This project was youth-led and youth-directed, in a dialogue that was controlled by youth.” - LaNelle Ramey, MENTOR Greater Milwaukee
Critical Mentoring & College/Career Readiness
With their Capacity Building Grant, BLMA set out to break down barriers with three different projects: dual enrollment courses at Marquette University, tours of historically Black colleges and universities, and a critical mentoring project.
“This grant gave us an opportunity to focus on the students, and our young men appreciated that. Students need to be the drivers.” – Nate Deans, Jr., BLMA
Quality School Lunch Project
After receiving their Capacity Building Grant, youth councils at each of the 10 United Way Community Schools were tasked with deciding how to spend the funds. Using existing student data, it was clear that improving the school lunch experience was going to be the focal point.
“[This program] created a platform for skill building related to youth advocacy. The students were able to identify an issue and design a solution on their own.” - Dom Portis, United Way
SKY Schools
Implemented at two local high schools, Pathways and North Division, the SKY Schools programming focused on breathwork with students and staff. The goal was to teach participants how to deescalate and regulate their emotions and feelings in difficult situations, while serving as a positive influence for others. (En español)
“Breathing is freeing. I can now catch myself before I reach a point where I need to turn back. I see students take a breath before reaching.”– Serina Jamison, Pathways High
Mental Health Regulation Trainings
In 2020, providers reported that children and educators were experiencing profound mental health challenges. The ECE Coalition and its partners responded by raising funds to facilitate regulation trainings - first for early educators and later for families of young children. (En español)
“Thank you for providing us with fantastic tools to help us regulate our emotions!” – Parent/Family Member
Youth Voice Summit
Funded in part by a youth-directed Violence Prevention Grant, the Youth Voice Summit in early August gave young people a space to talk about current issues and have their voices heard. Youth ambassadors from Mentor Greater Milwaukee planned and led the Summit, from selecting topics to facilitating sessions. (En español)
“We saw the interaction and natural leadership skill sets come out. Our goal was to allow (the youth) to run with it and shine, and they did.” - LaNelle Ramey, Mentor Greater Milwaukee