Clarke Street first and second graders to receive academic and family support through college with “I Have A Dream”- Milwaukee program

Mayor Tom Barrett announced additional funding today for the 2008-2009 “I Have a Dream”-Milwaukee program at Clarke Street School, expanding this important initiative to bring in support for the Metcalfe Park neighborhood school, its students and their families.

This is the first year for “I Have A Dream”-Milwaukee, the 29th city for the national organization which sponsors entire grade levels of 50-100 students in under-resourced public schools and public housing developments.

Through the support of local sponsors and partners, each site provides a year-round program of educational and family services that start when the “Dreamers” are in early elementary grades and continues through high school and the first years of college. Upon high school graduation, each Dreamer receives financial assistance for higher education with prevailing in-state tuition rates serving as the minimum baseline guarantee.

Mayor Barrett first announced the “I Have A Dream”- Milwaukee program during his 2008 State of the City Address. The Mayor has led fundraising efforts to secure two years of operations spending and has also secured commitments that will pay for college costs for every first and second grader at Clarke Street School.

“At a time when discussions about the future of MPS are going on throughout this city, it’s important to recognize the many people working hard right now for our kids to change the way we approach urban education and help students be successful,” said Mayor Barrett. “I’m grateful to the many partners who are bringing this program to Milwaukee.”