After exceeding its goal of raising $1 million toward helping to ensure that every Milwaukee Public Schools student has a laptop computer and internet access, the MPS Foundation’s #ConnectMilwaukee campaign has shifted its focus to securing funds to provide technical support to families and training for teachers as an unprecedented school year begins.
This summer, the foundation delivered more 7,000 internet hotspots to families in need with hundreds of requests still coming in. Now, there’s the difficult challenge of providing technical support to more than 75,000 students and 5,000 teachers. The foundation is focused on funding more information technology staff, help desk support and training for teachers as part of the second phase of the #ConnectMilwaukee campaign.
Nominations are open for the 2024 Unity Awards!
Know an individual or group committed to bridging divides in our community? Nominate them for a Unity Award by Oct. 31.
The fundraising goal for the second phase has been set at $1 million. The foundation has received its first substantial donation of $25,000 from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation.
“This year has shown us how difficult helping a child learn online from home can be,” MPS Foundation Executive Director Wendell Willis said. “Providing equity means lessening the burden on our teachers and parents who have adapted very quickly and learned how to teach our children in a completely different way. When we provide the necessary support, training, and tools, we know our students will be successful.”
Phase 2 of the program will help fund vital components not included in the Milwaukee Public Schools budget, including: tech support for online learning platforms; additional training and coaching for teachers; personalized support to students and families; additional help desk support for parents; and adding IT staff.
To donate, go to mpsfdn.org.
