Why does Milwaukee need programs like the Milwaukee Community Service Corps?
Many of Milwaukee's residents experience poverty and unemployment. According to a 2008 memorandum complied by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC):
- Milwaukee County is home to 85% of the state’s individuals living 200% below the Federal poverty level. This population is further concentrated on Milwaukee’s northwest side and central part of the city.
- Roughly 105,100 individuals in Milwaukee County were receiving public assistance as of June 2008.
- In Milwaukee County during 2008, there were an estimated 14,535 job openings, compared to 26,692 job seekers. Within the central city, the job openings and availability are at their greatest disparity. Over 11,085 job seekers were seeking jobs without any openings.
These issues pose challenges not only to the individuals who are directly affected, but to the community at large. A GAO Report on “Disconnected Youth” stressed that youth disconnected from school and employment are more likely than others to engage in crime, become incarcerated, and rely on public systems of support.
How does the Corps address these challenges?
Programs like the Milwaukee Community Service Corps provides a path to family-supporting employment - and provide a positive impact on the local communities where they live.
A key finding in the GAO report cited locally operated programs which reconnect youth to education and provide employment as successful components in reducing juvenile delinquency, alcohol and drug abuse, teen pregnancy and violence. Further studies suggest such programs can dramatically improve continuing education, long term employment and community volunteerism.
Tactics
Our programs address some of the immediate barriers that our young people face to gaining meaningful employment.
Education
A typical requirement of family-supporting jobs is a high school degree or equivalent. However, last year, the Milwaukee Public Schools reported a graduation rate of 46%. Our overall goal is to help reduce drop out rates and increase the opportunity for students to transition to employment or further academic pursuits. All participants of the Corps work readiness programs either attend school full time or complete an equivalency diploma program.
Driver's Licensing
SEWRPC estimates that 84% of entry-level jobs are located outside the City of Milwaukee; however, nearly one-third of voting age adults in Milwaukee County do not have a valid driver’s license. Our programs help participants recover and reinstate their driver’s licenses. We also provide training and encouragement to these young people to apply for their Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL).
Work experience
A lack of work experience or professional certifications can be a challenge to finding meaningful employment, especially for young people. Our program provides this work experience by engaging youth in job training by building affordable, energy efficient housing for low-income families and other community service projects. Collectively MCSC and our partner agencies have invested more than $12 million in urban revitalization projects which provide direct employment opportunities and training grounds for young workers.