Youth Forward MKE is Awarding $10K Grants to Student Proposals Focused on Improving Black Male Education
Youth Forward MKE is accepting proposals till Jan. 8, 2021. (Picture by Cory Cifax)
To truly give Milwaukee’s youth an opportunity to make tangible change in the education system, newly formed initiative Youth Forward MKE will approve five youth proposals and give them $10,000 each. The goal is to improve the experience of Milwaukee Black males in high school and the only way to do this, is from within.
“We should be looking to our youth on how to address issues current day that are effecting them,” said School Partnerships and Initiatives Manager with Milwaukee Succeeds Clintel Hasan. “We can’t make assumptions.” Youth Forward MKE was created in November through Milwaukee Succeeds: a collective impact organization focused on educational equity launched by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.
It is no secret that Black males are unfairly treated in the educational system, which is why the “Design Your Future Challenge” was created.
Applications opened on Nov. 18, 2020 and will close on Jan. 8, 2021 at 12pm CST. Youth ages 13-20 are encouraged to submit proposals. Hasan said the point is to show our youth that we believe in their idea even before it’s fully thought out. Too many times, investors and funders require hard-hitting proof that you’re worthy of their support. This challenge is different. Each youth working on the approved proposals will receive a $2,500 stipend.
“We want this to be a thing everyone is involved in,” she said.
Approved proposals will be worked on during Spring and Summer of 2021 and implemented in the Fall.
When it comes to the proposals themselves, Youth Forward MKE is open to all kinds of ideas because no one solution will fix everything. Youth can submit their proposal individually, in groups, or partner with an organization or school.
All winners will be notified on Jan. 22, 2021. (Picture by Cory Cifax)
Hasan said it’s time to stop viewing Black males as all the same. They each have their own stories and own barriers, and they need specific resources to make a positive impact in their lives.
“It’s important to not group them,” said Hasan. “Really, truly center their experiences and listen.”
To be more inclusive, there are two ways to submit a proposal. You can send a written proposal that’s up to two pages. The proposal can be traditional writing, spoken word or some other form of writing. The second way is to send an audio/visual proposal. If sending a video, it can’t be no longer than three minutes, but this section is open to any form of visual art.
“Design Your Future Challenge” is to find solutions on how to improve Milwaukee’s Black males’ high school experience. (Picture by Cory Cifax)
The point is to ask questions and listen to the youth before creating a solution.
All proposals will be reviewed by Milwaukee Succeeds team members, youth and community members. All winners will be notified on Jan. 22, 2021.
To apply for the Design Your Future Challenge, click here.