The MKE Fellows initiative was funded initially through the generosity of three individuals, Cory Nettles, Chuck Harvey, and Skip Polinar. As its successes have become evident, the program has been received, reviewed and now supported by a number of organizations including the JCI Foundation, WE Energies Foundation, Bader Foundation, BMO Foundation, and the Fellowship Open to name a few.

 

While our Lunch & Learn sessions provide vibrant professional development and corporate tours, the initiative also exposes MKE Fellows to the vast richness of the Wisconsin business community. The goal is to afford students a broad range of experiences and to open minds to possibilities in our state. A series of activities have been provided from community supporters and the response has been incredible. For many students, these are their first exposure to the broad array of Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial vista. It is easy to see how transformational these experiences are and will continue to be in the lives of these young men.

 

MKE Fellows have attended the Urban League’s Black and White Ball, United Way's Day of Action, the BMO Harris Summerfest stage, the African American Chamber of Commerce Breakfast of Champions, private tours of the Milwaukee Art Museum, and numerous other civic and community events.

 

We are purposed on the active, committed engagement of Wisconsin’s civic, corporate and community stakeholders. Ongoing, overwhelming support has resulted in measurable positive progression and the injection of resources and solutions focused on Wisconsin's future. The cultivation of a diversity of developmental and vocational experiences for Milwaukee’s youth assures that the challenges for generations to come will be addressed through collaborative partnerships and well-prepared leadership.