EDUCATION INITIATIVE CELEBRATES STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND 0% DROPOUT RATE

June 23, 2010

The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM)’s Education Initiative celebrated achievement among its students at the annual Student Recognition Awards on June 22, 2010.  The event was held at 6:00 P.M. at the Hillside Family Resource Center, 1452 N. 7th Street.

Common Council President and Housing Authority Board Chair Willie L. Hines, Jr. served as keynote speaker, and recognition awards were given to youth who achieved exceptional grade point averages and who have shown improvement in their studies over the past year. 

“This event showcases the achievements of our youth and the success of the Education Initiative. Through regular attendance in school, hard work and the support of the Initiative, they are achieving their goals and preparing for a successful life,” said Hines. 

The event marked the fifth year in a row with a 0% dropout rate among youth who participate in the Education Initiative.  Additionally, 92% of high school seniors in the program graduated this spring. The Initiative currently works with 314 youth who live in the Highland Homes and Scattered Sites developments. 

In addition to the recognition they received from the Housing Authority and Alderman Hines, graduates received congratulations from Mayor Tom Barrett.  “These youth are the future leaders of the City, and there is no limit to what they can accomplish with a strong education,” said Barrett.  “The Education Initiative has helped provide a solid foundation for their continued success.”

Since 2005, the HACM Education Initiative has sought to improve school attendance and educational achievement among youth at Highland Homes and Scattered Sites. 

“The Initiative strives to provide youth with an environment that consistently reinforces the importance of education and links them to resources that can help them accomplish their goals,” said HACM Secretary-Executive Director Tony Pérez.

Education Specialist Darrell Finch works with the children to ensure they attend school every day, links them to community learning centers and tutoring programs, and helps reduce barriers to their success in school. He also works one-on-one with parents to develop an educational achievement plan for each child. 
  
“The kids inspire me every day, because they want a good life and they know that education is the key to achieving that goal,” said Finch. 

HACM provides safe, high-quality and affordable housing to a diverse population of residents in over 4,000 public housing and 1,000 multi-family market rate rental units. In addition, HACM manages a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program that serves more than 5,600 families. HACM further provides a wide range of educational, employment, and social services to enhance residents’ self-sufficiency.

Milwaukee Common Council President and HACM Board Chair Willie L. Hines, Jr. joins with
Housing Authority staff in celebrating with high school graduates.

The Washington family is awarded the Finch Family Scholarship for their overall commitment
to education. From left in back: HACM Manager of Youth & Family Services Maria Rodriguez, Common Council President and Housing Authority Board Chair Willie L. Hines, Jr., Education Specialist Darrell Finch, Housing Authority Associate Director Steve Falek, Theresa and Bennett Washington, and three of their grandchildren.


Common Council President and Housing Authority Board Chair Willie L. Hines, Jr. gives the keynote speech at the Authority's Student Recognition Awards.