MPS Expands Program Connecting Youth to Jobs

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.

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.

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.

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