2025 Bright Spots
Real change is backed by data, fueled by collaboration and inspired by the voices of our community.
This year, we’ve harnessed each of these elements in order to amplify our impact and strengthen education across the city. We’ve served as a convener, uniting advocates, educators and families for a celebration of early learning – and a collective call for action. We’ve served as a resource, illuminating the child care landscape through a powerful set of data dashboards. And we’ve served as a catalyst for change, putting youth in the driver’s seat as we embark on several bold new initiatives.
And we’re not done yet. In the coming year, we’ll continue building on this momentum to better support youth and families – by digging deeper into what drives stability in child care, expanding access to data and trainings, and strengthening the connections that will help us forge a brighter future.
Celebrating the Week of the Young Child
This April, Milwaukee came alive for the Week of the Young Child. Families, educators and advocates celebrated with parades, activities and events, while also raising their voices for sustained investment in the child care sector – reminding the city that every child deserves a strong start. Discover the joy.
3 New Projects Give Youth a Leading Role
Youth Forward MKE is advancing three initiatives that put young people at the center of decision-making. From exploring post-secondary pathways to leading grantmaking and shaping powerful listening sessions, youth are gaining skills, guiding resources and driving real change in Milwaukee. Explore the projects.
Mapping the Child Care Landscape
This year, we teamed up with WillBridge to create two new dashboards that bring Milwaukee’s child care data to life. These tools, directly inspired by our ECE Coalition, offer an interactive look at local providers and the funding they’ve received – right down to the aldermanic district. Check out the maps.
Young Leaders Shaping Tomorrow
In June, Autonomous Youth Council members Jeffrey and Eva traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the 2025 StriveTogether Policy Summit. While there, Jeffrey joined a panel of other young leaders to discuss how youth are driving change. He specifically highlighted the AYC, sharing how the experience has transformed his outlook and opened his eyes to the power of youth voice. Watch the video.
