LEAP summer youth work program to launch Today

A new program that will enable Milwaukee teens to gain critical job skills and work experience while also allowing for regular communication and interaction with Milwaukee police personnel kicked off off during a news conference Friday, May 18 at District 7, 3626 W. Fond du Lac Ave.

LEAP (Learn, Earn and Achieve with Police) identifies promising young people and prepares them for future workforce and civic success. Joining emcee Alderman Willie Wade at the LEAP news conference were Police Chief Edward Flynn, Cathie Madden of LISC Milwaukee, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs and County Supervisor Russell Stamper II.

In LEAP, the Milwaukee Police Department, LISC Milwaukee, and the City of Milwaukee’s Earn and Learn program are collaborating to strengthen communication between Milwaukee teens and police, preparing teens for future career success, and introducing Milwaukee companies to a diverse group of Milwaukee’s future workforce.

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“Job readiness and the development of job skills are critical for young people to develop so they can be successful upon entering the workforce and in pursuing a career or a good job,” Alderman Wade said.

Alderman Wade said 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.

Participating companies employ teens, ages 17-19, 20 hours per week for eight weeks, June 18 through August 10, Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, interns participate in the Milwaukee Police Department STOP Program, which is designed to improve communication and build trust between police and teens. Companies contribute a flat rate of $2,000 for participation and interns are paid between $7.25 and $9.00 per hour.

Participating employers include 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.

Teen interns are 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”.