Youth Services

Youth Services encompasses several programs and special events related to youth education and employment.

Learnfare

The Learnfare program provides family case management for youth ages 6-17 who are habitual truants, drop outs, teen parents and students not enrolled in school whose parents are recipients of cash benefits through the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program (TANF). The goal of the program is to enroll youth in school not currently enrolled, and to motivate youth who are enrolled to attend school regularly. Learnfare case managers educate teen parents on family planning in an effort to prevent second pregnancies. Additionally, case managers assist youth with job search and career exploration. Learnfare is funded under TANF as a mandatory component of the Wisconsin Works (W-2) program.

21st Century Community Learning Center:

The Community Learning Center (CLC) is at Kosciuszko Middle School, located just 3 blocks from the Job Center South at 971 West Windlake Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The CLC provides after school tutoring, academic enrichment, recreation, and family programs for the youth and adults in the surrounding area. The goal of the CLC is to improve the academic performance in the students UMOS serves as measured by the following:

• Grade point average and proficiency test scores.
• Day school attendance as measured by unexcused absences, truancies and suspensions.

Other goals are offering recreational and enrichment programs to youth and adults, increasing safety in the neighborhood, and maintaining an active advisory council—the Action Learning Team (ALT). Approximately 300 youth and 100 adults are served each year. The CLC is open Monday through Friday from 2:30-6:00 P.M. during the school year, and from 12:00-4:00 P.M. during the summer. The CLC is funded by a three-year grant from the Department of Education.

Work Experience:

UMOS is also one of the largest year-round worksites for the STEP UP and REACH youth work experience programs. Youth receive work experience opportunities at our Job Center, Special Projects, Education Department, and at the CLC. STEP UP and REACH are funded by a WIA Youth Grant administered by the Private Industry Council.

Special Events:

The Youth Services unit hosts two special events each year related to youth education and employment. At the Summer Teen Job Fair, held each year in April, we provide a pre-employment workshop followed by a job fair at which the youth may interact with employers and apply for summer and year-round jobs. At the Back to School Fair, held each year in August, we distribute free school supplies to over 1000 low income children, haircuts are donated by local cosmetology school students, and education and community resource information is made available. Funding for these events comes from foundations and private donations.

For more information or if you wish to volunteer or make a contribution to any of our youth programs or events, you may contact Renée Beaudot at (414) 389-6236, or via e-mail at renee.beaudot@umos.org.