Lateeno News

10/03/2024

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1032879830377?aff=oddtdtcreator

Come join us for a fun and safe indoor trick or treating event where kids can enjoy free candy and goodies!

09/16/2024

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce Youth Apprenticeship to Add Four Occupational Pathways This Fall

Expansion offers additional opportunities to state youth for on-the-job training in law enforcement, fire protection, project management, and barbering/cosmetology

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), today announced that Wisconsin’s Youth Apprenticeship program will add four new occupational pathways to its program offerings in the 2024-2025 school year: law enforcement, fire protection, project management, and barbering/cosmetology.

“I declared 2024 the Year of the Worker in Wisconsin, and we’ve been making smart, strategic investments to bolster our state’s workforce, reduce barriers to work, and support key sectors that we know have been particularly strained,” said Gov. Evers. “These four new pathways build upon our work—we’re keeping more of our homegrown talent here in our state while providing an opportunity for young people to earn-while-they-learn, helping employers to fill critical staffing needs, and ensuring our economy to continue to grow and thrive in the 21st Century.”

The new pathways, which combine on-the-job skill training with classroom learning, bring the total number of occupational pathways to 83 in 16 program areas. Youth Apprenticeship opportunities are offered locally by consortia composed of school districts, technical colleges, chambers of commerce, and other partners.

The final 2023-25 biennial budget signed by Gov. Evers included $7 million in additional funding over the biennium for the Youth Apprenticeship program. In May, DWD announced an all-time high of 9,932 youth apprentices enrolled during the 2023-24 school year, with a record 6,671 employers participating. The state is on track to break these records again, with students enrolled in Youth Apprenticeship from more than 95 percent of Wisconsin’s eligible public school districts and 46 participating private or charter schools.

“Building a strong workforce that can meet the needs of the 21st Century starts with making sure students have access to a wide range of career advancement options,” said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. “These four additional pathways help fill critical employer needs and allow students to earn as they acquire necessary training. DWD will continue seeking ways to strengthen connections among employers, educators, students, and communities while offering new opportunities to our young people to build their futures.”

The four new pathways will join 16 other program areas, including:
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Architecture & Construction
Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications
Business, Management & Administration
Education & Training
Finance
Government & Public Administration
Health Science
Hospitality & Tourism
Human Services
Information Technology
Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
Manufacturing
Marketing, Sales & Service
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Youth Apprenticeship is a one-year or two-year earn-while-you-learn program for high school juniors and seniors pairing work and related classroom instruction in a chosen occupation. This program implements a dual training system that combines skills obtained on the job site with technical knowledge in the classroom. Wisconsin was the first state in the nation to offer a Youth Apprenticeship program in 1991.

In addition to the Youth Apprenticeship program, the state’s Registered Apprenticeship program serves adults and can be the next step for Youth Apprenticeship participants. The Registered Apprenticeship program achieved 16,394 enrolled apprentices in 2023, a record number since the program began in 1911. The Registered Apprenticeship program combines structured, on-the-job training with classroom instruction and allows apprentices to earn money while they learn, rewarding employers with a skilled workforce and providing participants with family-supporting careers.

Employers interested in becoming a youth apprenticeship sponsor can find more information here.
https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/ya/employers.htm

Students interested in becoming a youth apprentice can find more information here.
https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/ya/applicants.htm

A Youth Apprenticeship is a one or two year “earn while you learn” program for high school juniors and seniors consisting of work and related classroom instruction in a chosen occupation. Training is received on-the-job where the employer teaches the skills of the occupation.

09/16/2024

$2M Federal Boost Brings Urban Ecology Center's Bold Revitalization of Washington Park To Cusp of Completion

Milwaukee, WI, September 16 – The Urban Ecology Center (UEC) is celebrating a major milestone after securing $2 million in Federal Community Project Funding to advance its ambitious revitalization plans at the UEC Washington Park branch. This transformational funding, championed by Senator Tammy Baldwin and Congresswoman Gwen Moore, brings UEC one step closer to realizing its vision of transforming this important community asset by reaching $18.6M of the $19.6M fundraising goal. The funds will support the renovation and expansion of the building, expanded environmental education and community programs, and beautifying an additional 10 acres of green space.

Since its establishment in 2007, UEC’s Washington Park branch has been a cornerstone of community engagement, offering access to green spaces, volunteer opportunities, and environmental education through its partnerships with local schools. The planned renovations at Washington Park are part of a larger effort to emphasize the crucial role access to nature plays in enhancing the quality of life for Milwaukee residents and fostering a deeper connection to the environment.

“Seeing nature is one thing, being knee-deep in a river or taking a walk through the woods is an entirely different experience. The Urban Ecology Center bridges the gap between cities and nature, providing a space where neighbors, students, and visitors can gather and connect with the outdoors,” said Senator Baldwin. “I was proud to deliver direct federal support to ensure that the Urban Ecology Center has the resources they need to continue to get more kids outside and in nature.”

The Washington Park improvements are part of UEC's "Imagine Campaign," launched in 2021 in response to community input calling for an expanded reach of its programs. During the 2023-24 fiscal year, UEC's Washington Park branch provided over 8,900 environmental education experiences, welcomed more than 83,000 visitors and benefited from the generous gift of time from over 600 volunteers. With the upcoming renovation and expansion, the Urban Ecology Center plans to more than double the capacity of its Neighborhood Environmental Education Project (NEEP), expanding from 13 to 31 schools within three years. The new education and community center will also enhance preschool environmental education, amplifying UEC's impact on Milwaukee’s youth and families.

“For years, the Urban Ecology Center has been working to ensure my constituents of every generation experience, explore and learn about nature,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore. “I was pleased to help secure this investment, which will revitalize the Washington Park facility and improve access to outdoor activities and community and youth programs. This funding will only strengthen the UEC’s mission to create safe green spaces for Milwaukee’s residents and I can’t wait to see it come to full fruition.”

The Urban Ecology Center has begun hard hat tours of the new Washington Park building and plans to complete the project funding by the end of 2024, opening the building in early 2025.

09/16/2024

UScellular, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee Kickoff Fourth Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest

The wireless carrier and nonprofit introduce new national winners to contest

MILWAUKEE (Sept. 16, 2024) – UScellular and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee have announced the return of their fourth annual Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest.

New to the 2024 contest, the top three first-place submissions with the most votes from all participating Clubs will also be named national winners1 and will receive an additional $250, bringing their total winnings to $500, while their home Club will also receive a $1,000 donation.

Up to 10 finalists from each of the six Boys & Girls Clubs will be chosen by local Club representatives and UScellular leaders based on creativity, quality, interpretation, clarity of theme and overall impression. The finalists’ artwork will be digitally displayed in select stores, and from Sept. 15 – Sept. 22, anyone 18 and older is invited to vote for their favorite art online. The top three vote-getters at each Club will be announced in mid-October with the winners receiving the following:

$250 for first place
$150 for second place
$100 for third place

To participate in the contest, Boys & Girls Club members were encouraged to create original pieces of artwork representing influential Hispanic STEM icons. These can include historical figures, world leaders, scientists and educators who have made vital contributions to the world of science, technology, engineering and math.

“The addition of three national winners to the Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest is a thrilling development that UScellular and Boys & Girls Club of America are excited to introduce this year,” said Kevin Lowell, executive vice president, chief people officer and head of communications at UScellular. “We’re honored to provide a platform for our young artists to showcase their talent and contribute to the recognition and appreciation of Latino history and culture and the achievements of Hispanic people in STEM.”

No Purchase Necessary. Entrants who are minors must have parental consent to participate in the Contest. Official Contest Rules, including full entry details and Finalist and Winner selection criteria/voting are available by email request to [email protected].

1 One “national winner” per Club; see contest rules for details.

About UScellular
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has pledged to provide hotspots and service to help up to 50,000 youth connect to reliable internet. Additionally, UScellular has price protected all of its plans, promising not to increase prices through at least the end of 2024. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com

08/14/2024

Milwaukee’s Eighth Annual Green & Healthy Schools Conference Promotes Partnerships

Milwaukee, Wis. -- What does it mean for a school to be “green and healthy”? What is a school “green team”? What strategies and resources are available to community members to support the next generation of environmental learning and stewardship within and beyond school walls?

The media and public are invited to find out at the Green & Healthy Schools Conference to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at UW-Milwaukee, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The nonprofit Reflo organizes the eighth annual conference on behalf of the Green Schools Consortium of Milwaukee. The aim is to deepen conversations and amplify partnerships around environmental education and projects that contribute to a more resilient, more just society.

Over five hundred guests are expected. Participants range from educators, community liaisons, nonprofit groups, environmental service providers, philanthropists, institutional leaders, and members of the public. Featured this year are over a hundred teenagers employed in summer internships through a dozen different entities united in Milwaukee’s new Environmental Youth Collaborative (EYC), an effort supported by U.S. EPA and other collaborating funders dedicated to environmental justice.

Reflo also catalyzes Green & Healthy Schoolyard Redevelopment Projects that transform asphalt-covered lots at 41 MPS schoolyards into green spaces. Revamped schoolyards – five schools per year enter a three-year process – manage stormwater, provide shade, add urban habitat, and support outdoor learning. Long-term maintenance and stewardship are supported by school communities and an array of partners. Hailed nationally, Milwaukee’s model schoolyard redevelopment process takes center stage at the conference. Five MPS school “green teams” will share the story of their project designs ahead of 2025 construction.

But there can be no stars without supporting cast and crew. The conference is about far more than these inspirational projects themselves.

In 2024, seven session tracks explore themes of Environmental Education, Learning Outside the Classroom, Sustainability in Our Community, Play!, Supporting School Green Teams, Health & Wellness, and UWM Connections. A campus tour of UW-Milwaukee sustainability features will also be offered by this year’s host.

The conference highlights a unique venue each year. Past conferences have been hosted at Milwaukee County Zoo (2023), Vincent High School (2022), Fondy Park and Farmers Market (2021), Brown Street Academy and Alice’s Garden (2019), Fernwood Montessori School (2018), Bradley Tech High School (2017), and Highland Community School (2016). Reflo canceled the 2020 conference due to the global pandemic.

At the 2024 conference, EYC youth will share stories of their summer experiences and participate in a poster showcase where attendees are encouraged to engage with youth about their summer experiences.

Awards will also be given in the categories of Green Student of the Year, Green Educator of the Year, Green Principal of the Year, Most Engaged School Green Team, Most Supportive Community Partner, Most Supportive Administrator, and Informal Educator of the Year. The awards ceremony offers good media opportunities.

“We are privileged and thrilled to once again unite so many folks from across the region all committed to green and healthy schools benefiting our kids, our communities, our water,” said Lisa Neeb, Reflo’s Green & Healthy Schools program manager, who organizes the annual event. “For many, this conference is the one and only time we all get to gather in one place to build on everyone’s energy and insights face-to-face. There are so many lovely people involved and if you have never been before, you are welcome to join! It’s always packed with positive energy, building up a sense of inspiration and momentum before the start of the school year.”

“I love this event, I make at least one connection every year I attend,” said Tina Gleason, a teacher at Golda Meir School who has attended almost every conference since its inception. “It is so engaging and exciting to see all of the amazing things that our students and schools are doing to make our world greener and healthier. Each event has been a great opportunity for our community to learn about and get involved with exciting projects happening in their own backyards related to environmental education, schoolyard redevelopments, and sustainable partnerships with strong local partners.”

Sponsorships supporting this year’s conference are committed, but if you would like to sponsor next year’s conference or discuss premium sponsorship opportunities, please contact Reflo.

If you are a member of the media planning to attend the conference, please contact Reflo’s Lisa Neeb ([email protected]) for special media registration and to discuss any AV needs in advance. All others are welcome to attend at the current rate of $58/person.

The registration fee includes complementary pastries and coffee provided by UW-Milwaukee 20|20 Catering plus pasta lunch buffet. Paid parking is available on and around campus, though alternative means of transportation to the conference are encouraged via public busing and car pooling. The conference aims to model how to run a lake-friendly event (reduced plastic and other waste) and food waste will be composted.

# # #
2024 Green & Healthy Schools Conference Sponsors
Reflo
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
Fresh Coast Guardians
Fund for Lake Michigan
UW-Milwaukee
City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works
Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS Foundation
City of Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office
American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation
Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program, College of Natural Resources at UW-Stevens Point
Educators Credit Union
Medical College of Wisconsin
Plastic Free MKE
Ice Age Trail Alliance
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators - Wisconsin
Midwest Renewable Energy Association
RadioMilwaukee
Focus on Energy
The Nature Conservancy
Johnson’s Nursery
FedEx
Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom
Elevate
Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy
UW-Stevens Point - School of Education
Johnson Controls
Bray Architects
Compost Crusader
ArtWorks for Milwaukee

08/06/2024

MPD District 6 to celebrate National Night Out on Thursday

Alderman Scott Spiker is inviting area residents to join MPD District 6 for a National Night Out celebration set to take place Thursday, August 8 from 5 – 8 p.m. at 2200 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway. The event is free and open to the public.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out at Kinnickinnic River Parkway will feature a variety of family-friendly offerings including food and beverage, a DJ, bouncy houses, a free raffle, a rock wall, and a dunk tank.
“I would urge residents to come join us at this exciting and fun National Night Out event that will be a positive evening for the community. There will be a wide variety of family-friendly activities and this event offers a chance to mingle with police staff in a one-on-one setting,” said Alderman Spiker.
What: MPD District 6 National Night Out
When: Thursday August 8, from 5 – 8 p.m.
Where: 2200 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway (Near Pulaski High School)

08/06/2024

Announcing Milwaukee’s Environmental Youth Collaborative

Milwaukee, Wis. -- Almost a half million dollars from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is helping fuel an interorganizational alliance of 13 Milwaukee groups employing over a hundred young people in summer internships engaging in environmental stewardship.

It’s a high-profile win for Milwaukee promising to benefit the next generation of urban youth by connecting them with opportunities aligned with strategic efforts to prepare a regional workforce of water- and environment-related careers.

Thirteen community-based organizations in Milwaukee’s Environmental Youth Collaborative (EYC) have each signed a memorandum of understanding committing to participation in an annual retreat, collaborative governance, collaborative programming, and collective action.

On the ground, that means increased coordination and resource sharing for youth in different programs over the summer. For example, in mid-July, 30 EYC youth and managers employed by six different organizations participated in their first summer youth retreat at Waubedonia Park.

“We’re really dedicated and interested in growing a healthy and sustainable ecosystem of organizations that have environmental opportunities for young adults and young people in our community,” said John Rakowski, executive director of Riveredge Nature Center, one of the EYC’s member organizations.

“I commend all of us for coming together to continue to give children that sense of imagination and exploration with these internships—and just the opportunity to get outside and break the rigor of what they’re normally used to,” said Wilniesha Smith, who coordinates EYC member Reflo’s environmental internships. “It’s really important—especially with our Black and Brown children—that we understand that there are Black and Brown people in these spaces.”

A three-year EPA Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving grant for $499,200, effective April 2024, supports Milwaukee’s EYC. The nonprofit Reflo is the lead recipient and administers funds for the other dozen participating organizations. While the EPA represents the largest single investment to date, nine entities have contributed support including the Fund for Lake Michigan, the Daybreak Fund, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the Argosy Foundation, the American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation, The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, an anonymous contribution, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, and GLISA, NOAA’s Great Lakes Climate Adaptation Partnership (CAP) team.

“It’s bigger than any of our organizations. The collective impact is why we are all here,” said Fidel Verdin, co-director of EYC member TRUE Skool. “This is a statement beyond our summer growing season in Milwaukee. This has an opportunity to have a ripple effect on new funding models.”

The EYC is working to change the model through which philanthropy supports on-the-ground projects. Rather than fund entities directly, EYC funds aim to cover the gaps between organizations and also reduce friction among groups with parallel missions seeking limited funding. EYC leaders are also pressing the funding community to value collaboration.

“Funding for nonprofits and social-impact work in Milwaukee is fragmented and highly competitive,” said Justin Hegarty, executive director of the nonprofit Reflo. “Instead of cooperation, our community-based organizations are forced to compete with each other which unnecessarily saps our limited resources, compromises our relationships and reduces our ability to make meaningful, long-lasting change on the ground for our youth and our region’s social-environmental goals. We can and should do better.”

To learn more about the EYC, its member organizations, and meet youth employed in summer internships, the media and public are invited to the eighth annual Green & Healthy Schools Conference to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At the conference, EYC youth will be sharing stories of their summer experiences and participating in a “reverse career fair” with employers encouraged to network with youth.

EPA and other funding partners may also be in attendance.

If you are a member of the media planning to attend the conference, please contact Reflo’s Lisa Neeb ([email protected]) for special media registration. All others are welcome to attend at the current rate of $58/person.

Milwaukee’s Environmental Youth Collaborative’s website (eycmke.org) contains organizational profiles, details on current summer internships offered by each organization, funder credits, a shared event calendar, and interviews of past youth participants.

# # #

Environmental Youth Collaborative Charter Members
Audubon Great Lakes Wild Indigo Nature Explorations
Cream City Conservation Corps
Great Lakes Community Conservation Corps
Groundwork Milwaukee*
Menomonee Valley Partners
Nearby Nature Milwaukee
Reflo Sustainable Water Solutions
Riveredge Nature Center
River Revitalization Foundation**
Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers
Teens Grow Greens
TRUE Skool
Urban Ecology Center

*Groundwork Milwaukee remains a voting EYC member during its operational pause.
**River Revitalization Foundation is now partnered with Ozaukee Washington Land Trust.

Environmental Youth Collaborative Funding Partners
Anonymous
American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation
Argosy Foundation
Daybreak Fund
Fund for Lake Michigan
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
GLISA, NOAA’s Great Lakes Climate Adaptation Partnership (CAP) team
The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

08/04/2024

Este Domingo en Conquistador Te Ve tendremos de invitada a Priscila Prado quien está corriendo por State Assembly District 9. Tengan sus preguntas listas y estaremos agarrando llamadas

07/05/2024

Walls.io collects and displays all social media content for your hashtag campaign, branded social hub, or event

06/25/2024

Friends of Villa Terrace Hosts Milwaukee’s Largest Ever Drone Show
Free viewing from the lakefront or ticketed party at Villa Terrace

Milwaukee – On Wednesday, July 10 at 9 p.m., 400 drones will take flight and light up the night sky to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Villa Terrace Art Museum. The 20-minute drone show along the Lake Michigan shoreline is free and open to the public and will feature approximately 20 different formations that depict various elements of Villa Terrace, including the museum’s signature Hermes statue and koi fish.

“The drone show will be a dazzling display of lights, music and aerial acrobatics, and is a gift to Milwaukee from the Friends of Villa Terrace,” says Megan Holbrook, a member of the nonprofit Friends organization who is leading the planning and coordination of the drone show and two other anniversary events that will take place the week of July 8. “We want as many people as possible to come down to the lakefront to enjoy this spectacle of artistry that will truly be a sight to behold.”

Ray Chi, a renowned local artist, designed the show based on themes and images from Villa Terrace. Altogether, Chi and Firefly Drones have dedicated more than 200 hours to create the aerial extravaganza. The A.O. Smith Foundation has generously supported the Friends of Villa Terrace and this year is the Presenting Sponsor of the Centennial Celebration.
Drone Show Details

The drones will take off just south of Bradford Beach and perform over Lake Michigan across a span of 600-700 feet, which is the equivalent of a football field and a half. Milwaukeeans can enjoy the show from a variety of vantage points along the shores of Lake Michigan or purchase a ticket to a special Drone Show Viewing Party at Villa Terrace. The drone show will be accompanied by a special soundtrack, created by artist Ray Chi, and simulcast on WMSE 91.7.

Drone Show Formations

The Friends group is sharing a sneak peek of three drone show formations. The evening will come to life with Villa Terrace Art Museum etched in the sky and then quickly morph into other images, including the striking Hermes statue that guests first see when they enter the interior courtyard of the Villa and one of the beautiful koi that are in a fishpond (known as a “vasca” in Italian) that’s part of Villa Terrace’s renowned Renaissance Garden.

06/25/2024

Mayor Johnson Launches "Hello Summer" Program to Empower Youth
Mayor Johnson announces the launch of the "Hello Summer" program, providing employment opportunities, extracurricular activities, and events for youth throughout the summer season. This initiative, supported by various city departments and partner organizations, aims to empower participants through essential work experience, skill development, and mentorship.
Key Highlights:
Empowering Youth: "Hello Summer" acts as a bridge connecting participants with organizations that provide meaningful employment opportunities.
Social Skills: Participants in this program will have the opportunity to develop and practice essential social skills through engaging in recreational activities and participating in community events.
Community Impact: By participating in the program, youth will actively contribute to their communities and build essential skills for lifelong success.
Organizations interested in listing their organization can complete the form provided:
https://city.milwaukee.gov/Hello-Summer/Hello-Summer-Form?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0z6jZeYwSJWqvUfR3TWnP9HlXnwjYmskQ7G4V9vmCmIjPLFGWZTDJVnrI_aem_r-OeSqhvj71-PxIz7FDs9g

Affordable land and leasing costs, abundant fresh water, an educated workforce, low business costs and easy access to financing, technical assistance and efficient transportation have helped local businesses succeed and grow.

03/14/2024

Wedding & Quinceañera Expo Ticket Sale

Come and discover everything you need for your wedding or quinceañera at the Wedding & Quinceañera Expo 2024! Call 414-383-1000.

03/04/2024

Junior Achievement USA Honors 69 Organizations
with President’s Volunteer Service Awards.

Junior Achievement USA is pleased to announce that it will honor 69 organizations across the United States with the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award for their support during the 2022-23 school year. Seven companies earned Gold Status, meaning their employees donated 10,000 hours or more to teach Junior Achievement financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness classes across the country. Twelve businesses are honored with Silver Status because their employees spent more than 5,000 hours as JA volunteers. Bronze status was achieved by 51 companies whose employees donated 1,500 hours or more to teach JA life lessons.

Two dozen of the honorees have employees in Wisconsin who contributed their time as JA volunteers around the state.

ADP, Inc.
The Home Depot
Amazon
Huntington Bancshares
AT&T
JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Bank of America
KPMG LLP
BMO
ManpowerGroup
Caterpillar, Inc.
Morgan Stanley
Deloitte
PwC
Edward Jones
RSM US LLP
Ernst & Young LLP
SAP America
FedEx
State Farm
GE
U.S. Bancorp
HP Inc.
Wells Fargo

“Community volunteers are the reason JA programs have such an impact on Wisconsin students,” said Julie Granger, President of Junior Achievement of Wisconsin. “By serving as role models and connecting students with businesses in their own communities, JA volunteers open the world to students, helping them make smart academic and economic choices and pursue their dreams.”

In 2003, President George W. Bush established the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation (the Council) to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make in

communities and to encourage more people to serve. The Council created the President's Volunteer Service Award program to thank and honor individuals who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. In 2006, Junior Achievement became an official certifying organization for this award, which recognizes corporations with a U.S. presence that provide volunteers to teach JA programs anywhere in the world.

The mission of Junior Achievement of Wisconsin is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed. JA teaches students how to begin building financial capability and career exploration
early in elementary school by examining needs and wants, basic economic concepts, techniques for saving, basic budgeting, and the ways local businesses support their community. Early JA lessons instill habits of smart money management and career planning. JA helps older students dive deeper into the complexities of life planning such as living within one’s means, student debt, investment strategies, risk management, inflation, credit, and career goals.

Anyone interested in becoming a Junior Achievement supporter or volunteering to teach JA lessons can find information on the organization’s website at https://wisconsin.ja.org.

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to providing young people with the skills and confidence to own their economic future and contribute to the economic viability of their families, communities, and country. Junior Achievement's programs - in the critical pathways of career readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy - ignite the spark in young people to realize the opportunities and realities of tomorrow’s workplace. The eleven Junior Achievement of Wisconsin offices reached 121,606 students across the state in the 2022-23 school year.