Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council Meeting - June 25, 2026

The Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council (EYAAC) met on June 25, 2026, at 10:15 AM CT, chaired by Alderman Russell Stamper II in the absence of President Jose Perez. The council heard presentations from three youth-serving organizations, received updates on Project Kindred and the Data & Research Committee, and discussed upcoming civic engagement events. The meeting concluded with public comments from youth involved in BID 32 cleanup efforts.

Consent Calendar

• Review and approval of previous meeting minutes were held over until the next meeting due to lack of quorum.
• Approval of $500 for lunch for the July 16 scavenger hunt was moved and seconded, contingent on achieving quorum at the next meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Wright (BID 32, Lindsay Heights) introduced youth from the BID 32 Marketplace program, who spoke about their community cleanup efforts. Eli Morris stated the program taught teamwork and community engagement, and noted a need for more public garbage cans. Aiden Fox described gaining self-motivation and supporting local businesses. Celeste Lawrence Moore expressed interest in activating parks and community gardens. The youth requested additional garbage cans to reduce litter.

Discussion Items

• MMAC Be the Spark Presentation: Dominique (Career Pathways Manager) and Corey Joe Biddle (VP of Talent) presented MMAC's K-12 career pathway programs. MMAC represents 2,000 businesses employing 300,000+ people. Programs include Be the Spark (career exposure events, 120 students from 9 schools last spring), Teamship (students solve real-world business problems), and internship pipelines. Speakers emphasized connecting students to diverse career opportunities and shifting narratives about Milwaukee youth. Members discussed expanding to more schools and aligning curriculum with employer needs.
• Pearl for Teen Girls Presentation: Jasmine Deakin, Dr. Tiffany Tardy (President/CEO), and youth leaders presented Pearl's programs for girls grades 5-12, serving 1,020 girls in 2024-25 with 21 groups across Milwaukee. The evidence-based curriculum covers personal responsibility, empathy, awareness, respect, leadership, and support. 98% of participants said they would return and refer friends. Costs per group of 25 girls are approximately $40,000/year; speakers noted 100+ schools cannot afford the program. Members asked about staff qualifications (bachelor's degrees, youth mental health first aid, trauma-informed care) and how to expand access.
• Latina Resource Center (UMOS) Raices Presentation: Mariana Rodriguez, Jennifer Rodriguez, youth leaders, and Diana Gonzalez presented Raices, a youth program focused on domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking prevention. The program uses Expect Respect and Safe Dates curricula, meets weekly, and includes tobacco prevention initiatives (158 retailer checks in 30 days). Youth leaders described attending Pride Fest, visiting the Black Holocaust Museum, and leading peer education. Staff are college-educated with ongoing training. The program is funded by a small grant from End Abuse Wisconsin/Department of Children and Family Services.
• Project Kindred Update: Clifton Crump and Bevan reported on the June 13 event at Kazi Center (114 attendees, 70 youth, $4,000 raised by youth, $7,200 from city). Upcoming events: July 7-10 Root Cause to Action at Marquette (youth explore community issues, with EYAAC engagement on July 9); July 16 City Hall engagement (department visits, lunch, youth presentations to EYAAC at 1 PM). Goal is to develop youth-led policy proposals for city consideration.
• EYAAC Data & Research Committee Update: Gabe Velez reported the committee finalized a report on CDBG-funded organizations and is planning an October 15 workshop. Two grant opportunities were discussed: William T. Grant Foundation research grant (up to $50,000 for 1-2 years) and AISP learning community (capacity building requiring a government co-lead). Committee seeks council support for both applications.
• Strive Together June Policy Summit: Amber Dayus reported on attending the City Accelerator in Washington, D.C., with Vincent Lyles (Milwaukee Succeeds). The summit focused on place-based partnerships and cradle-to-career outcomes. Dayus proposed a 90-day action plan for Milwaukee to address a youth issue, with potential alignment with Project Kindred's root cause work.
• Funding Approval: Motion to approve $500 for lunch for the July 16 scavenger hunt was approved contingent on achieving quorum.

Key Outcomes

• The council expressed support for the grant applications led by the Data & Research Committee, with a request for written requirements.
• The July 16 EYAAC meeting will feature Project Kindred youth presenting their policy proposals; the council will consider adopting a 90-day action plan in alignment with the Strive Together summit recommendations.
• The chairman will follow up with presenters regarding partnership opportunities and potential city funding.
• Next regular meeting scheduled for July 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Room 303 of City Hall.