MPS Expands Program Connecting Youth to Jobs

$225,000 grant will grow the program to serve 250 students, up from 50 the previous year

By Milwaukee Public Schools - Aug 16th, 2017 03:50 pm

LaResha Love, MPS Student and Youth Apprenticeship program participant, working on the new Bucks Arena with YA partner, Mortenson Construction. Photo from MPS.

MILWAUKEE – August 16, 2017: A new grant will empower Milwaukee Public Schools to help more young people develop skills and experience to be successful in the workplace. The grant, from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, will grow the district’s Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program to serve 250 students, up from 50 last school year.

The Youth Apprenticeship program provides MPS high school juniors and seniors with paid, hands-on, work-based learning in high skill/high need industries so they are better prepared for the careers of tomorrow. Learn more about the Youth Apprenticeship program here.

“The MPS Youth Apprenticeship program is a direct investment in Milwaukee’s present and future. This is another example of our efforts to get more students ready for work and into employment while they are still in high school,” said MPS Superintendent Darienne Driver. “We’re encouraged by this program’s positive results in helping prepare our students to be tomorrow’s leaders. We are looking forward to offering this opportunity to more of our students.”

MPS has developed strong business relationships to ensure the success of the program, but the district continues to seek more partnerships as it continues to grow. For more information or to become a YA partnership work site, contact Terri Salzer, MPS District YA Coordinator, at 414-475-8019, salzertj@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.

“Wisconsin’s nationally recognized Youth Apprenticeship program helps employers across the state address the skills gap and remains a key talent development strategy,” Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker said. “Increased grant funding for the upcoming school year ensures more Wisconsin high school students will become youth apprentices and graduate with the high-demand job skills and industry certification required by our businesses.”

Participating students may select from 11 career options approved by the Department of Workforce Development.

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Architecture and Construction
Art, Audio/Visual Technology and Communications
Finance
Health Science
Hospitality and Tourism
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Marketing

Wisconsin’s YA program was authorized by state statute in 1991 as part of a statewide School-to-Work initiative. The Governor’s 2017-19 budget proposal sustains demand-based YA funding with the ability to increase program support.

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

People: Darienne Driver, Laresha Love, Scott Walker, Terri Salzer

Government: Department of Workforce Development, Milwaukee Public Schools

Recent Press Releases by Milwaukee Public Schools

MPS Board of School Directors Approves $1.6B Budget for 2026-27 School Year

May 28th, 2026 by Milwaukee Public Schools

Balanced budget invests in more classroom teachers, raises educator salaries, and closes a $46 million deficit

MPS Bilingual Fair Will Be Held at Longfellow School on May 30

May 28th, 2026 by Milwaukee Public Schools

Families Can Explore Bilingual Education, Resources for Children

Wisconsin’s Five Largest School Districts Urge Lawmakers to Return to Table on Special Education Funding

May 14th, 2026 by Milwaukee Public Schools

You must be an Urban Milwaukee member to leave a comment. Membership, which includes a host of perks, including an ad-free website, tickets to marquee events like Summerfest, the Wisconsin State Fair and the Florentine Opera, a better photo browser and access to members-only, behind-the-scenes tours, starts at $9/month. Learn more.

Join now and cancel anytime.

If you are an existing member, sign-in to leave a comment.

Have questions? Need to report an error? Contact Us