The Latine Youth Achievement Report
Made possible by a capacity-building grant from Milwaukee Succeeds, the Latine Youth Achievement Report is a powerful tool for understanding and supporting the young people in our city. Led by Dr. Gabriel Velez and Saúl Lopez of Marquette University’s Blest Hub, in partnership with Data You Can Use, the report builds on the Black Youth Achievement Report released in 2023. That report highlighted key themes such as population trends, barriers to aid and the need for authentic representation. Now, the Latine report is continuing that momentum – uplifting youth experiences, dismantling negative stereotypes and celebrating areas of achievement.
“There were a couple specific questions that we looked to address,” explained Dr. Velez. “What are the areas in Milwaukee where Latine youth are improving and achieving success? And then what are the recommendations from people in Milwaukee most affected by the data?”
The research process involved three key steps: data gathering with a focus on local and national figures, data chats that provided community-driven insights and a thematic analysis that identified overarching trends.
Already, the preliminary findings are sparking important conversations. Wellness emerged as a key concern, with only 60% of Hispanic students having a trusted adult to talk to, compared to 72% of their non-Hispanic peers. Education was another critical focus, with discussions on rising graduation rates, chronic absenteeism, the move toward technical education and the lingering impact of COVID-19. In terms of recommendations, participants stressed the need for mentorship, third spaces like community centers, and financial support for education and job training.
Dr. Velez emphasized that this is not a static report – it’s a living document that will evolve as conversations deepen and cultural landscapes shift. The goal is not just to present the data but to drive action, ensuring that every young person in Milwaukee has the support they need to succeed. (Stay tune for the full report later this year!)
