Arts at Large • Milwaukee, WI
Established in 2001, the mission of Arts at Large is to activate Milwaukee’s communities to build environments that support arts-rich, lifelong learning. Their programs prioritize investing in the development of local artist educators to facilitate educational opportunities for Milwaukee residents. Their vision is that all Milwaukee residents have access to the arts regardless of race, age, or socioeconomic status.
Fondy Food Center • Milwaukee, WI
The Artworks for Milwaukee is a youth readiness organization that has been assisting Milwaukee high school students through paid internships since 2001. Two examples of their internships are graphic design and environmental arts. In both, interns will develop transferable job skills such as confidence and leadership while working on community- based art and design projects. This provides the interns with the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of their communities through creative expression.
Gathering Waters • Madison, WI
Founded in 1994, Gathering Waters is a statewide organization that promotes public understanding and support for land trusts, landowners, and communities to protect the places that make Wisconsin special. To ensure that land trust remains strong, sustainable organizations, Gathering Waters advocates for government funding that provides tools, resources, education opportunities, and a network of peers that increases statewide awareness of land trusts.
Independence First • Milwaukee, WI
Independence First is an agency that supports people with disabilities. As a center for autonomous living, Independence First is dedicated to offering meaningful education and skills training that can help people to live more independently. 50 percent of their staff have disabilities and many work directly with people in the community seeking their assistance. In addition, they work with youth transitioning from secondary education into post-secondary life.
Lead2change • Milwaukee, WI
Founded in 2011, Lead2Change is a career-readiness organization that prepares, empowers, and strengthens Milwaukee’s future leadership workforce. Their mission is to inspire youth to achieve personal and professional fulfillment and become agents of positive change in their communities. They now offer an 11-month career-readiness program designed for high school students. The program features a curriculum with 300 hours of instruction, peer feedback, and paid internships to help students gain work experience.
Urban Learning Collaborative • West Allis , WI
The Urban Learning Collaborative is a comprehensive, results-oriented development center committed to preparing, supporting, and retaining educators across Wisconsin. Their work directly supports children and their learning by equipping educators with the tools and resources they need to succeed. Their teacher certification programs and customized professional learning services, including hands- on instructional coaching focused on improved student outcomes.