The Together for Students initiative, created by three national, education-focused nonprofit organizations — the Coalition for Community Schools, Communities In Schools, and StriveTogether — today recognized Milwaukee for plans to bring key community members together to support the needs of local students. Milwaukee is one of 10 that will receive approximately $150,000 to support the activities and goals set forth in their collaborative plans.

Milwaukee was chosen because of their broad support for growing Community Schools as a strategy for equitable, student-centered learning.

“We are thankful for this recognition of the great work currently being led by so many within the Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership, and we are excited about this opportunity to continue to utilize the Community School model as a strategy for creating equitable schools that place students at the center.” Nicole Angresano, vice president, community impact at United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County.

Selected from a pool of 86 applicants, each awarded community displayed strong school district and cross-sector partnerships, the ability to scale their plans, empowerment of family and student voice and a clear plan for identifying the best supports for students.

“Our partnership with United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha to serve our community schools will be strengthened even further by this grant,” said Keith Posley, interim superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools. “Improving school climate and culture is one of our key efforts and this grant will allow us to move this effort forward.”

United Way will work with local educational partners Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association, Milwaukee Succeeds, and Milwaukee Public Schools to develop plans around engaging local communities to strategically link partnerships and resources to our Community Schools to promote educational equity.

“Milwaukee Succeeds is excited to partner with MPS, MTEA and the United Way, bringing our strengths together collaboratively with students at the center of our work. We know that our impact will be much better together.” – Danae Davis, executive director, Milwaukee Succeeds.

This planning process will produce a multi-year strategy to increase the footprint of Community Schools and support student-centered learning across the city.

“We believe in the power of public Community Schools and are excited about this opportunity to highlight the good work underway and to continue the fight for educational equity in Milwaukee.” -Amy Mizialko, vice president, Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association (MTEA).  

With support from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and the Ford Foundation, the three organizations launched Together for Students to advance student-centered learning. Under their vision, the needs of every individual student are carefully considered and provided for, from health, food and shelter to high-quality mentoring and enrichment activities.

Together, The Coalition for Community Schools, Communities In Schools and StriveTogether are leading a movement that unites families, educators and local partners, with their combined networks totaling nearly 300 communities.