Blog
Strengthening Pathways for our Young People
What does it take to create real pathways for young people – pathways to careers they love and, ultimately, a fulfilling life? That question guided the March 25 Youth Forward MKE meeting, where partners from across Milwaukee came together to explore how we can strengthen the systems that support our youth.
Grantmaking Reimagined
The Youth-Led Grantmaking Project puts youth on both sides of the grantmaking process, with teams of young leaders pitching projects that matter to them and a Youth Review Panel scoring their proposals. Ultimately, four youth-centered projects will be chosen, with each receiving a $2,500 grant.
Activating our Autonomous Youth Council
Milwaukee Succeeds’ Autonomous Youth Council empowers young leaders to shape Milwaukee’s future. Through hands-on placements, training and leadership opportunities, youth are influencing policies, co-leading projects and driving meaningful change across the city.
2025 Bright Spots
Our 2025 Bright Spots highlight the year’s biggest wins in early education and youth empowerment. From a citywide celebration of ECE to a slew of new youth-led initiatives, our brightest stories of the year showcase our collaboration, innovation and dedication to Milwaukee’s children and families.
Youth Empowerment in Action
Youth Forward MKE is making moves to empower young people and equip them with the tools to transform their communities. This year, the coalition’s Strategic Priority Workgroup has advanced three bold initiatives designed to support youth and put them at the center of decision-making in Milwaukee.
Youth Forward MKE Champions Youth Impact
On October 22, the Youth Forward MKE Coalition came together to celebrate how far we’ve come – and to lay the groundwork for what comes next. Under the theme Celebrating Today, Building Tomorrow, the meeting was a powerful reminder of what happens when young people and adults share decision-making power, learn from one another and lead side by side.