Letting Data Drive our Youth Council
The Youth Forward MKE goodie bags handed out to each Autonomous Youth Council member.
"At Youth Forward MKE, we believe that our youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers of today," shared Maria Hamidu, Milwaukee Succeeds' high school success project manager. "It is our responsibility and privilege to prioritize their development, their voices and their well-being. The Autonomous Youth Council was born from this mission. It's a council for youth, by youth, where they can exercise their voice and shape the decisions that impact them."
The Autonomous Youth Council aims to empower its 29 members – two-thirds of whom are 17 or younger – with the tools and opportunities to become informed and engaged citizens. This initiative focuses on leadership and advocacy, equipping youth with essential skills and systems thinking. Beginning during the Summer Academy this July, participants will learn about youth-adult equity, the history of education in Milwaukee, culturally relevant education practices, and community organizing and advocacy.
Evaluation and Impact
Milwaukee Succeeds is committed to data-driven decision-making to ensure the lasting impact of the Autonomous Youth Council. Through ongoing evaluations, we aim to understand and support the growth of each youth participant.
The robust evaluation process will include interviews, focus groups, observations, surveys and a unique photo voice component. This mixed-method approach will ensure the program’s effectiveness, measuring everything from attendance to overall satisfaction with the curriculum.
Early survey results indicate that these youth are starting with a strong foundation.
“All members of the Autonomous Youth Council agree or strongly agree that they're comfortable being an advocate for a topic that means a lot to them,” explained Samantha Reynoso, a data analyst for Milwaukee Succeeds.
Yet there’s still room for growth, particularly when it comes to culturally responsive education practices, youth-adult equity and understanding the history of education in Milwaukee. Facilitators will be working to fill these gaps so our youth can enter their placements with the strongest possible footing.
