Dual enrollment is one of the key ways our partners are helping students get a head start on college and careers. By taking courses that count for both high school and college credit, students gain early exposure to higher education while exploring the fields that interest them.

The Teacher Pathway Program, led by Teach for America-Milwaukee, gives high school students a hands-on introduction to careers in education while opening doors to new opportunities.

Milwaukee Succeeds and Youth Forward MKE are opening doors to meaningful careers through a new Pathways to Economic Mobility Project. The initiative is focused on connecting young people across Milwaukee to high-demand jobs, with a particular emphasis on the health care sector.

The Autonomous Youth Council (AYC) is a prime example of how connecting youth to meaningful roles in their community can spark change and empower the next generation of leaders. During the March coalition meeting, several AYC members shared what the experience has looked like for them and how they’ve used their voices to inspire change.

All too often, grantmaking happens behind closed doors. Now, Youth Forward MKE is flipping the script, not only inviting young people into the room but trusting them to move resources where they’ll have the greatest impact. Ultimately, four youth-centered projects will be chosen, with each receiving a $2,500 grant.

Youth Forward MKE is making moves to empower young people and equip them with the tools to transform their communities. The coalition’s Strategic Priority Workgroup is advancing three bold initiatives designed to support youth and put them at the center of decision-making: the Post-Secondary Pathways Project, the Youth-Led Grantmaking Project and the Community Voice Toolkit.

Youth Forward MKE’s Strategic Priority Workgroup has embarked on three bold projects that aim to expand opportunities, amplify youth voices and create lasting impact across Milwaukee.

Through the Autonomous Youth Council, young leaders are gaining real-world experience, influencing decisions and shaping the future alongside community partners. At eight organizations across the city, they’re championing youth-adult equity and driving changes that will impact Milwaukee for years to come.

The Autonomous Youth Council continues to play a central role in Youth Forward MKE’s vision for change, moving beyond traditional internships to place young people in meaningful decision-making roles. At the June 25 Youth Forward MKE coalition meeting, council members shared insights from their diverse placements, illustrating the breadth and depth of their impact.

The next chapter of Youth Forward MKE is being shaped by the Strategic Priority Workgroup, the coalition’s engine for planning and implementation. This year, the workgroup is launching three bold, youth-centered projects.

Youth Forward MKE’s summer coalition meeting on June 25 was alive with energy, purpose and momentum. With a goal of reconnecting, reflecting and refocusing, the meeting was more than a check-in – it was a chance to celebrate powerful progress.

New data from our Autonomous Youth Council Fall Training Series is allowing us to examine the impact of our efforts and explore ways to better serve our young leaders.

Last fall, we invited the coalition to share their experiences, insights and visions for the future. Their responses were overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a deep sense of engagement and a commitment to shaping a brighter future for Milwaukee’s youth.

Made possible by a capacity-building grant from Milwaukee Succeeds, the Latine Youth Achievement Report is a powerful tool for understanding and supporting the young people in our city.

Youth Forward MKE’s Autonomous Youth Council aims to build youth-adult equity by providing youth with the tools and opportunities to make their voices heard. Through placement at partner organizations, council members will be making decisions and influencing projects across Milwaukee.

EmpowerED MKE will take place on November 9 at ThriveOn King, providing youth, families, educators and community members with the tools to build power and advocate for their communities. The day will feature discussions on Milwaukee’s education history, organizing strategies and school quality, culminating with actionable steps that community members can take to drive change.

Fall has marked a new chapter for the Autonomous Youth Council (AYC), as the young leaders transitioned from their summer success to the AYC Fall Academy. Meeting for 10-15 hours each month, the Fall Academy is focused on preparing these young people for the real-world opportunities ahead. Sessions cover crucial topics which youth have deemed important – like job readiness, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and data-driven decision-making – building on the groundwork laid over the summer.

Kicking off in July, the AYC’s 4-week summer session was all about equipping young people with the tools they need to be active and informed decision-makers. But what really set the series apart was its responsiveness to the needs and voices of the youth.

Milwaukee Succeeds is committed to data-driven decision-making to ensure the lasting impact of the Autonomous Youth Council. Through ongoing evaluations, we aim to understand and support the growth of each youth participant.

The Autonomous Youth Council is nearly here! This unique youth-focused initiative will kick off on July 8 with the start of the Summer Academy, and facilitators are already gearing up to lead engaging sessions that promise to empower and educate Milwaukee’s youth.