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.
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