LEAP summer youth work program sees first graduating class
Successful inaugural session of new program yields 17 young leaders; Alderman Willie Wade points to brighter future
It’s a turnabout that Milwaukee residents can be positive about: One year after a group of young people were involved in violence and chaos outside Wisconsin State Fair Park, a fresh group of Milwaukee teens today has graduated from a program that has helped them gain critical job skills and work experience while also allowing for regular communication and interaction with Milwaukee police.
Alderman Willie C. Wade, a strong supporter of the LEAP (Learn, Earn and Achieve with Police) program, said today’s graduating group of 17 teen interns is now headed on a path to success in the work place and in the community. “There is a major benefit for these young people and for Milwaukee when we invest in them by helping them gain the skills they will need to be excellent workers and leaders,” he said.
“We need to increase our base of skilled workers and LEAP so far is showing us that it is a program that can help prepare young people, giving them skills and confidence, and helping make them job ready,” said Alderman Wade, noting that some of the graduates have already been offered full-time employment opportunities by participating employers.
The participating students were selected by Alderman Wade, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, County Supervisor Russell Stamper II, Victor Barnett of Running Rebels, and Sam Williams of the Boys & Girls Club.
Teen interns were selected from the north side neighborhoods of Harambee, Lindsay Heights, and Washington Park, and south side neighborhoods of Clarke Square and Layton Boulevard West (these are LISC’s five “Sustainable Communities”).
In LEAP, the Milwaukee Police Department, LISC Milwaukee, and the City of Milwaukee’s Earn and Learn program collaborated to strengthen communication between Milwaukee teens and police, preparing teens for future career success, all while introducing Milwaukee companies to a diverse group of Milwaukee’s future workforce.
The LEAP program provides paid work with area businesses that can help build work readiness skills and valuable experience opportunities for Milwaukee teens who are enrolled in the STOP (Students Talking it Over with Police) program.
Students in the intern program work at area businesses to learn first-hand how to apply the skills they’ve learned in school and through STOP to the workplace, Alderman Wade said.
Participating employers in this inaugural year of LEAP included Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Educators Credit Union, Harley-Davidson, KBS Construction, LISC, Marquette University, Northwestern Mutual, The PrivateBank, Roundy’s, Taylor Dynamometer, US Bank, and Wheaton Franciscan-St. Joseph.
In the program, participating companies employ teens (ages 17-19) 20 hours per week for eight weeks (June through August), Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, interns participate in the Milwaukee Police Department STOP Program.
The MPD’s STOP Program is designed to improve communication and build trust between police and teens. STOP was developed to educate young people on the nature of police work and explain the reasons that law-abiding citizens might find themselves interacting with police officers. Students who participate in STOP receive a photo ID, a T-shirt, and certificate of completion.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Willie Wade
Services set for Sadie Louise Wade
Aug 26th, 2014 by Willie WadeAlderman Willie C. Wade said today that services have been set for his mother, Sadie Louise Wade, who passed away on Friday, August 22, 2014.
Seeking solutions to prevent another tragedy like Sherman Blvd. crash
Jul 11th, 2014 by Willie WadeStatement of Alderman Willie C. Wade July 11, 2014
Residents can get flu shots, enroll in health care coverage at Saturday event
Jan 28th, 2014 by Willie WadeResidents can receive a flu shot, learn about their health care options and sign up for the health care marketplace at a free event Saturday hosted by Alderman Willie C. Wade, the Milwaukee Health Department and Molina Healthcare.
