FELLOWSHIP OPEN MESSAGING GUIDE
CABINET
THANK YOU
Over the last decade, I’ve had the honor of watching young men don their graduation regalia and turn tassels at high school graduations across our city. We’ve celebrated milestones at schools like Golda Meir, Tech, Riverside, King, Reagan, Homestead, Nicolet, Madison East, and many more And we don't stop there: we’ve witnessed their steps through institutions as they matriculated and mastered their crafts at the grand halls of Princeton, Michigan, Morehouse, UW Madison, and more. And with their journeys catapulting, succeeding in leadership roles at the likes of Google, Johnson Controls, Milwaukee Bucks, Wayco Group, and Milwaukee County A turn of the tassel translated into a track record of excellence
While these moments are always filled with excitement for the students, their parents, family, and my team, we understand that turning the tassel is just the beginning turning the page into a new chapter filled with choices, opportunities, and discovery.
I appreciate you not only for offering your time and access to walk alongside me and my team but also for believing in a mission that is beyond us. Together, we are supporting the talent of our community as they progress from high school auditoriums to academic arenas and to boardrooms and national platforms of achievement The need continues to grow, but so do our determinations, and we are honored to have you serve as an ambassador with us.
As these young leaders continue to return to our community, contributing their talents to companies, culture, and a growing economy in our region, we can celebrate that we did this together
On behalf of those young men, I thank you for helping us open even more doors for the next generation of excellence
John Daniels III
OUR CONNECTIONS
ACTIVATING PARTNERS
Provideinternshipandfulltimeplacements
Lunch&LearnHosts;ProfessionalDevelopmentTrainers Havefoundationandphilanthropicrelationships Can speak to the career readiness of talent and workforceneeds
Navigatedecision-makingandcoachingforyouth Securenewfunding Canspeaktogrowthinparticipants
Ambassadorsforthework
Representationofmultipleindustriesandcareerpaths Rolemodelsforyouth Havefoundationandphilanthropicrelationships
Strategicinsightstocontinuouslyimproveourmodel Demonstrablevalueinbusinesscase Influencethroughpeeradvocacy Canspeaktothegrowthoftheprogram
MISSION AND VISION
OURMISSION
Empoweringpassionatepeopletopursuetheirpurpose.
The Fellowship Open’s principal mission is to support organizations that make a meaningful and demonstrable difference in the lives of low income youth. We invest in programming for the creation of a strong pipeline of young, African American college graduates ready to return to impact communities to excel in their careers, build wealth, and become engaged leaders capable of moving our region’s communities into a new era of greater health, vitality, and prosperity.
OURVISION
Createaself-sustainingcommunitywhere innovationisthenorm.
MASTER NARRATIVE
FellowshipOpen:AdvancingOpportunity, EmpoweringFutures
FellowshipOpenisadynamicorganizationthatfosterseconomic empowerment,professionaldevelopment,andcommunity engagementforAfricanAmericanstudentsandyoung professionals.Guidedbyamissiontoupliftmarginalized populations,weserveasabridgetoopportunity breaking barriers,openingdoors,andbuildingfutures. Attheheartofourworkisacommitmenttodevelopingtalent.We focusoncultivatingcareerpathways,expandingaccessto mentorship,andnurturingleadershipthatdriveslastingimpactin underservedcommunities.FellowshipOpenisdesignedforhighpotentialBlackstudentsandemergingprofessionalswhoseeknot onlytosucceedintheirowncareersbuttocreaterippleeffectsof empowermentinthecommunitiesfromwhichtheycome.
WhoWeServe
FellowshipOpenisbuiltforAfricanAmericanstudentsandyoung professionalsnavigatingtheearlystagesoftheircareers.Our programmingistailoredtothosewithhighpotentialandstrong ambitionwhoarelookingforasupportivenetwork,accessto opportunities,andaplatformtogiveback.
WhatWeDo
CareerPipelineDevelopment
Wepartnerwithtop-tiercompaniesacrossdiverseindustriestoactively createandexpandinternshipandfull-timeemploymentopportunities.By strengtheningrelationshipswithemployers,weaimtodiversifytheworkforce andpromoteeconomicmobilityforthosehistoricallyleftbehind.
Mentorship&LeadershipGrowth
Ourenhancedmentorshipmodelconnectsstudentswithengagedalumni andseasonedprofessionalswhoprovideguidance,encouragement,and industryinsights.Wealsoofferadvancedleadershiptrainingand professionaldevelopmentprogramsthatprepareyoungprofessionalsfor long-termcareersuccess.
CommunityExpansion&Engagement
Todeepenourcommunityimpact,weestablishadvisoryboardsenabling localizedsupportandprogramming.Wealsoformstrategicpartnerships withuniversities,corporations,andcivicorganizationstobroadenourreach andreinforceourmission.
SustainableProgramGrowth
Ourlong-termvisionissupportedbyfinancialresilienceandoperational excellence.Wearediversifyingfundingstreamsandinvestinginmodern technologyandinfrastructuretoensureourprogramsremainaccessible, effective,andscalable.
MeasuringImpact
SuccessatFellowshipOpenismeasurednotjustbyplacementsor participationnumbersbutbythelong-termoutcomesofourwork.Wetrack employmentandpromotionrates,mentorshipengagementlevels,and communityreinvestmentefforts.Bycombiningdata-drivenevaluationwith real-worldstoriesoftransformation,weensureourinitiatives
ELEVATOR PITCH
FellowshipOpen:AdvancingOpportunity, EmpoweringFutures
FellowshipOpenisadynamicorganizationdedicatedtofostering economicempowerment,professionaldevelopment,andcommunity engagementforAfricanAmericanstudentsandyoungprofessionals. Guidedbyamissiontoupliftmarginalizedpopulations,weserveasa bridgetoopportunity breakingbarriers,openingdoors,andbuilding futures.
Attheheartofourworkisacommitmenttodevelopingtalent.Wefocus oncultivatingcareerpathways,expandingaccesstomentorship,and nurturingleadershipthatdriveslastingimpactinunderserved communities.FellowshipOpenisdesignedforhigh-potentialBlack studentsandemergingprofessionalswhoseeknotonlytosucceedin theirowncareersbuttocreaterippleeffectsofempowermentinthe communitiesfromwhichtheycome.
OUR APPROACH
THE WICKED PROBLEM
Milwaukeefacesapersistentchallengeinretainingand elevatingitsyoungtalent,particularlyamongAfrican Americanyouth,duetodeeplyintertwinedbarriersacross education,workforcereadiness,andeconomicaccess.
Despitethecity’spotentialforgrowth,alackofequitable accesstoqualityeducation,limitedexposuretoeffective jobtrainingandcareerreadiness,insufficientfinancial literacy,andfragmentedlabormarketopportunities continuetostallupwardmobility.
Thesefactorsdonotexistinisolation—theycompound acrossgenerations,disproportionatelyimpacting communitiesofcolor.Youngpeopleoftengraduatewithout theacademicfoundationorreal-worldskillsneededto succeedintoday’seconomy.Evenwhenmotivatedand capable,manyaredisconnectedfrompathwaysto sustainablecareers,lackfinancialtoolstobuildwealth, andfacesystemicexclusionfromgrowingindustries.
Thiscyclenotonlyunderminesindividualpotentialbutalso weakensMilwaukee’sbroadereconomicvitality. Addressingthiswickedproblemdemandscoordinated, cross-sectorsolutionsthatbridgeeducationand employment,centercommunityvoices,andreimagine systemstosupportlong-term,inclusiveprosperity.
OUR RESEARCH
ThereissubstantialresearchanddatathathighlightstheopportunitygapMKE FellowsisaddressinginMilwaukee.Herearesomekeyfindings:
1.RacialandEconomicDisparitiesinMilwaukee
BlackresidentsinMilwaukeefacesomeoftheworsteconomicdisparitiesinthe US Milwaukeeisoftenrankedamongthemostsegregatedcitiesinthecountry (BrookingsInstitution).
A2020UW-MilwaukeestudyfoundthatMilwaukeehasoneofthelargestracial wealthgapsintheU.S.
2.EducationandWorkforceDisparities
CollegegraduationratesforBlackstudentsaresignificantlylowerthanforWhite studentsinWisconsin.
A2021reportbytheWisconsinPolicyForumshowedthatthecollege graduationrateforBlackstudentsinthestateisamongthelowestnationwide. Blackprofessionalsareunderrepresentedinhigh-payingindustrieslikefinance, technology,andhealthcareinMilwaukee.
3.TalentFlight&RetentionIssues
YoungBlackprofessionalsleaveMilwaukeeathighratesduetolimited opportunities:
A2022studybytheAfricanAmericanLeadershipAllianceMilwaukee(AALAM) foundthatmanyBlackprofessionalsdonotseeaclearcareerpathwayinthe city.
TheMilwaukeeEquityIndexshowsthatretainingBlacktalentisamajor challengeforeconomicgrowth.
4 IncomeandEmploymentDisparities
UnemploymentratesforBlackMilwaukeeansaresignificantlyhigherthanfor Whiteresidents.
A2022FederalReservereportfoundthatMilwaukee'sBlackunemploymentrate wasamongthehighestinthecountry.
ThemedianincomeforBlackhouseholdsisfarlowerthanWhitehouseholds: ThemedianBlackhouseholdincomeinMilwaukee($30,000)isabouthalfthat ofWhitehouseholds($60,000)(U.S.CensusBureau,2020).
Conclusion
ThisdataconfirmsthatMilwaukeestruggleswithdeepracialandeconomic disparities,especiallyineducation,workforceinclusion,andBlacktalentretention.MKE FellowsisdirectlyaddressingtheseissuesbyprovidingyoungBlackmenwithcollege support,careeropportunities,andprofessionalnetworks,aimingtoreversethese trendsandcreatelong-termeconomicmobility.
OUR INNOVATIVE SOLUTION
MKEFellowsisaddressingthisopportunitygapthroughacomprehensivesupport systemthatincludes:
1.EducationandScholarshipSupport
ProvidingfinancialassistanceandscholarshipstohelpyoungBlackmenattend andcompletecollege.
Partneringwithuniversitiestoofferresourcesandmentorship.
2.InternshipsandCareerPlacement
Connectingstudentswithpaidinternshipsatleadingcompanies.
Helpingfellowssecurefull-timejobsinhigh-growthindustriesaftergraduation.
3.MentorshipandProfessionalNetworking
Pairingfellowswithbusinessleaders,entrepreneurs,andprofessionalsfor guidance.
Hostingnetworkingeventswherefellowscanbuildrelationshipswithtop employers.
4.LeadershipandPersonalDevelopment
Organizingworkshopsonprofessionalskills,financialliteracy,andleadership training.
Encouragingcivicengagementandcommunityservicetofosterresponsibility andleadership.
5 RetentionofTalentinMilwaukee
Workingwithlocalbusinessesandorganizationstocreatecareerpathwaysthat encourageyoungBlackprofessionalstostayandthriveinMilwaukee. Showcasingthecity'sopportunitiestofellowssotheyseeMilwaukeeasaplace tobuildtheirfuture.
Byprovidingthesekeyresources,MKEFellowsisbreakingdownsystemicbarriers andensuringyoungBlackmeninMilwaukeehavethesupporttheyneedto succeedacademically,professionally,andpersonally.
OUR ENGINE FOR ECONOMIC MOBILITY
OUR ENGINE MODEL KEY TALKING POINTS
TheMKEFellowsTHRIVEModelisaneconomicempowermentframeworkdesigned toenhanceeconomicmobilityandbuildthrivingcommunitiesthroughfourkey pillars Eachpillarincludessolutions,partners,andkeyperformanceindicators (KPIs)totracksuccess.
1.AccesstoQualityEducation
Solutions:Scholarships,collegetours
Partners:Thrivent,universities
KPIs:Scholarshipsawarded,high-leveldegreesattained,collegegraduation rates,newschoolsestablished
2.JobTrainingReadiness
Solutions:Professionaldevelopment(PD)sessions,mentorship,global excursions
Partners:Employers,mentors
KPIs:Mentorevaluations,numberofalumnimentoringMKEFellows
3.FinancialLiteracy
Solutions:Investmentclubs,trainingsessions,budgettools
Partners:Financialinstitutions
KPIs:Numberoffinancialadvisorstrained
4.LaborMarketOpportunities
Solutions:Internshipplacement,careerfairs
Partners:Employers,GMC/MMAC
KPIs:NumberofalumniemployedinWisconsin,numberofemployershiring MKEFellows,numberofinternships,andinternship-to-jobconversions
Thismodelprovidesastructuredapproachtoeconomicempowermentby ensuringaccesstoeducation,jobtraining,financialknowledge,andcareer opportunities.
OUR MODEL IN ACTION
PROGRAM TALKING POINTS
OURPROGRAMFEATURE|KEYTALKINGPOINTS
1. Ourparticipantsreceiveover500hoursofcurriculumacross12holistic, evidence-informedservices;
2 Competencymodelmodelfocusesonthreeprimaryareas:Behavioral Health&Wellness,Education&Employment,andCommunity&LifeSkills.
3. Participationbeginsu…andcontinuesforapprox..However,graduates areencouragedtoreturnasalummentrs
4. Aspartofourwholepersonapproach,weofferparticipantsthe opportunitytofocusontheirhealthandwellbeingbeforeenteringthe workforce,
5. Weprovideamentorcirclethroughouttheentireparticipantjourney includingindividualizedguidancefromresourceslikealicensed therapist,casemanager,communitysupportspecialist,careercoach, andpeersupportspecialist.
6. Whenparticipantsarereadytotransitionintotheworkforce,weare thoughtfulaboutfindingworkplaceenvironmentsthatareinclusive, provideawelcomingassimilationprocess,andallowforonsitecareer coaching.
7. Ourcurriculumoffersworkplacesimulationsinmarket-stableindustries likeretail,warehouse/logistics,andfoodservice-ensuringthat participantswhosuccessfullycompletethesimulationareofferedparttimetofull-timeemploymentwithahiringpartner.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
EarlyEngagement:
WeleadLearningCirclesinpartnerhighschoolstoprepare studentsacademically,socially,andemotionallyforcollege establishingtrustandmentorshipearlyon.
EmotionalSupport:
Weofferfreegriefcounselingforstudentswithoutaccessto professionalservices,helpingthemnavigatepersonalloss withoutfallingbehind.
24/7Mentorship:
Ourstaffareavailablearoundtheclock,providingstudents withconstantaccesstoguidance,support,andsomeone whotrulylistens.
WellnessCheck-Ins:
Weconductpersonalizedcheck-insvirtuallyandinperson eachsemestertotrackstudentwell-beingandacademic progress.
CelebratingSuccess:
Whetherlocalorout-of-state,weattendgraduationsto celebratemilestonesandremindstudentsthey’repartofa largercommunitythatbelievesinthem.
MonthlyConnection:
Fellowsattendthreemonthlyeventsfocusedonlearning, bonding,andfun,whichkeepthemconnected,supported, andengaged.
Together,thesetouchpointscreatemorethanaprogram they buildalifelongcommunityofcareandempowermentforyoung Blackmen.
Since2001,theFellowshipOpenmodelhasempoweredover 10,000individualsthrough6signatureprogramsinthe GreaterMKEregionandaimstofurtherexpanditsfootprint.
BRENDAN STEVENSON
Marquette Class of 2022
Mechanical Engineering
BRYSON CHERRY
Grambling University Class of 2025
Brandon Ramey
MKE Fellows Alumni and Director, Quad MKE
THE VOICE OF OUR FELLOWS
TheMKEFellowsprogramservesasanincubator forpromisingyoungmenintheMilwaukee community,providingthemwithknowledgeand uniqueopportunitiestogrowacademically, socially,andprofessionally.Theprogram leveragesitsnetworktomakegoals,dreams,and aspirationsachievable,positioningFellowsfor success.AsaMKEFellowsalum,I'mgratefulforall thesupportandteachingsovertheyears!
TheFellowsprogramhashelpedtoliftmy vibrations,ithaskeptmyspiritspositiveinevery situationandalwaysmademefeellikeafamily member.
TheMKEFellowsProgramhasbeenabeaconof hopeandopportunityinmylife Ithasempowered metodreambigger,workharder,andbelieveinthe powerofcommunity.Throughthisprogram,I've learnedthatsuccessisnotjustaboutindividual achievement,butaboutliftingeachotherupand creatingabrighterfutureforall.Milwaukee,let's continuetostriveforexcellenceandmakeourcitya placewhereeveryyoungpersoncanthrive.
THE VOICE OF OUR PARTNERS
Someorganizationswilltakeastudentand createmoments,theMilwaukeeFellowswilltake astudentandcreateaMonument.
TheMilwaukeeFellowsprogramismorethanjusta mentorship,theyareafamilythatprovidesapowerful networkofsupport,leadership,andopportunity.It empowersyoungBlackmentothriveacademically,grow personally,andreturntoMilwaukeereadytoleadanduplift theircommunities.Theimpactisreal,lasting,and transformative,asIhavewitnessedbythesuccessofmy studentswhoparticipated.TheFellowsarelegitandthere isn'tanythingthattheywon'tdotohelptheseyoungmen succeed.
Interactionandengagementliesattheheartof thesuccessoftheirmission
TheMKEFellowsdrivesaccountabilitythrough their‘brightfutureoath’.
MICHAEL HYLER Engagement Manager
SARAH DUBEY Raegan High School Guidance Counselor
WHY WE'RE DIFFERENT | KEY TALKING POINTS
EVIDENCEDRIVEN:Ourprogramwasdesignedand benchmarkedagainsttoolsfromNACEandHarvardBusiness School
INCLUSIVECURRICULUM:Our“holistic”approachisdesigned toempowerallstudentstogrowforastablefuture.Culturally relevant,globallyminded
NATIONALACADEMICPATHWAYS:
Studentsarelaunchedto someofthemostprestigiousuniversitiesacrossthecountry togainbroadexposureandinsightstobringbacktoMKE Greaterregion
ALLSERVICESUNDERONEROOF:Our"comprehensive" approachprovidesservicesunderoneprogramumbrellaby anintegratedteam
FINANCIALCAPACITYVSSUPPORT:Ourparticipantsreceive investmentseeds,financialliteracytools,andcoachingto buildcapability
ACCESSTOEMPLOYMENT:Ourparticipantsareoffered exposureandconnectionstoreceivepart-timetofull-time, stableemploymentwithahiringpartner.
ALUMNIFORLIFE:Ourcurriculumbeginsinhighschooland continuesthroughcollegeandbeyond,andFellowsstayon asalummentors
REALCOSTS
Wisconsin’sblackimprisonmentrateof2,104per100,000residentswas thehighestinthecountry.
TheWisconsinDepartmentofCorrectionssaiditcostsabout$30,000per inmateeveryyeartopayforhousing,clothing,foodandmedical expenses.
CostPerMKEFellowsParticipantAtScale:$5,500
AverageStartingSalaryofMKEFellow$62,000
ThemathspeaksforitselfonRETURN!
OUR ROI FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Stateswillspendanestimated$8billionon reincarcerationcostsforindividualswhoexited prisonin2022.13Byholisticallysupportingindividuals, wecontributetodecreasedcoststothejusticeand correctionssystems,decreasedrelianceon governmentbenefitsandsupport,andincreased revenueforlocalandstatecommunities.
Investmentinmentalhealthandsubstanceuse disorderprogramscanhelpreducecrimeand incarcerationratessimultaneously,equalingatotal returnof$1.47to$5.27pertaxpayerdollarspenton treatment.
Wehavehadgreatsuccesspartneringwithlocal employmentpartners-creatingamutually beneficialrelationshipforbusinessesneedingtofill criticalhiresandindividualsseekingstable employment.
ALUMNI VOICE
NathanaelWashington’sjourneywith theMKEFellowsProgrambeganat eighteenafterwinningtheTerrence ThomasScholarship.Passionate aboutsportsfromayoungage,he playedmultiplesportsinschool andaimedtoworkinprosports.His involvementinleadershiprolesand extracurricularactivitiesshowcased hisdrivetoexcelandbecome independent.TheFellowsprogram helpedWashingtondevelopessential skillsandbuildastrongnetwork. DanielsrecognizedWashington’s potential,mentoringhimclosely andplacinghiminchallenging roles.Washington,now equippedwithsignificant businessinsights,leftthe programtopursuenew opportunitieswiththe GreenBayPackers.
Fellowship Open/MKE Fellows is one of few comprehensive programs within the U.S. that has seen a significant increase in eduction and professional attainmentalongwihcharacterdevelopmentforlongtermeffect
Fellowship Open's model is uniquely research-based and scalable, and "participationinFellowshipOpenprogramminghelpstoreducethelikelihood ofcollegedropoutsandincreasethelikelihoodofemployment.
TheMKEFellowsprogramisacomprehensiveinitiativeaimedataddressing educationalandemploymentdisparitiesamongAfricanAmericanmaleyouthin Milwaukee,Wisconsin.Establishedin2012,itsmissionistosupportacademically talentedAfricanAmericanyoungmentograduatefromcollegepreparedfor careersuccess,therebyfosteringahealthierandmoreeconomicallyprosperous AfricanAmericancommunityinWisconsin.MKEFellows+1MKEFellows+1
ProgramComponents:
Scholarships: MKE Fellows provides merit-based book scholarships to offset the costs of educational materials, as well as emergency funds to support studentsinextremecircumstances.MKEFellows
Mentorship: Each participant is paired with a mentor, selected based on the student'scareeraspirationsorlifeexperiences,toofferguidanceandsupport throughout their academic and professional journey. Milwaukee Community Journal
Professional Development: The program offers experiential summer workshops where fellows learn about networking, interviewing, prioritizing, conflictmanagement,andotheressentialcareerskills.MKEFellows
Civic Engagement: Fellows engage in "Lunch and Learn" events hosted by corporate and civic organizations, as well as social events like the Fellowship Open and Summerfest, to build meaningful relationships and business networks MKEFellows
EffectivenessandImpact: Severalindicatorssuggestitspositiveimpact:
Program Growth: Since its inception, MKE Fellows has expanded significantly. Initially focusing on students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), it now includes participants from institutions across the country, fromBerkeleytoPrinceton,whilemaintainingstrongpartnershipswithHBCUs. MilwaukeeCommunityJournal
Participant Engagement: Students can apply in their junior or senior year of high school, with 40-50 new fellows joining annually. At any given time, approximately 200 young men are engaged with MKE Fellows at various stages of their academic and professional development. Milwaukee CommunityJournal
Networking Opportunities: The program facilitates connections between fellows and local business leaders, exposing students to a range of professional experiences that complement their academic studies and position them for viable post-graduation career opportunities in the Milwaukeearea gmconlineorg+1MKEFellows+1
By focusing on education, mentorship, professional development, and civic engagement, MKE Fellows aims to create a strong pipeline of young African American male college graduates ready to return to Wisconsin to excel in their careers, build wealth, and become engaged leaders. This holistic approach addresses the educational and employment disparities affecting African American youth in Milwaukee, contributing to the broader goal of community empowermentandeconomicprosperity.
FELLOWSHIP OPEN MESSAGING GUIDE