Among the most valued gifts are those that cultivate knowledge. When we educate others — to multiply fractions, nurture children, enter the workplace, explore medical mysteries or appreciate the arts — we enrich the entire community.
Inspiring human potential through lifelong learning is one focus of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation. We recognize the important role of education in building the community's health, vitality and future. The Foundation supports a variety of educational programs and scholarships in the Milwaukee area.
Scholarships:
Providing financial support for students of promise is a key strategy for the Foundation. For more than a decade, we have provided funding to support the pursuits of higher education for academically talented students in underserved groups. These students attend the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, Milwaukee School of Engineering and Carroll College. We invest in these young people both financially and personally — most students are matched with a home office employee mentor. In several instances, we have been fortunate enough to hire these excellent students once they graduate.
We also support the Northwestern Mutual Scholars Program, for the sons and daughters of employees and retirees. During the past 14 years, the program has awarded more than $5 million in renewable scholarships.
Through the Franklin Community Service Scholarship award, we honor an outstanding male and female student from Franklin, who has demonstrated commitment to community service. These $3,000 awards are renewable, and high school seniors who live in Franklin are eligible to apply.
A Decade of Hope: This $2.5 million grant to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee began in 2007 to help counter violence, teen pregnancy, crime and lack of opportunities for at-risk youth in Milwaukee. This collaborative project, in conjunction with the Milwaukee Public Schools, will also concentrate on enhanced after-school programming at school locations, improved academic preparation for post-secondary education and the addition of much-needed staff.
The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head: The importance of early childhood education was the driving force behind the Foundation's decision to present the national tour of "The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head" with the Betty Brinn Children's Museum in Milwaukee. The exhibit will premiere in Milwaukee in July 2008, and a ten-city national tour will follow. Interactive and bilingual in English and Spanish, the exhibit offers children the opportunity to join Mr. Potato Head on his adventures into outer space, on a jungle safari, on an archaeological dig and under the sea.
Learning computer skills, at all ages: Today, familiarity with computers is necessary in earning a family-sustaining wage. For the last five years, the Foundation has sponsored computer classes at 12 Milwaukee Public Library branches to help members of the community acquire basic computer skills. Tremendously popular, these classes have attracted thousands of people of all ages — from seniors learning to use email to stay in touch with family, to moms and kids who come to learn together, to people for whom English is a second language. We are proud of our partnership with the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation.
Enlightening young minds with the arts: The Skylight, a comic opera theater company, offers an arts education program to elementary and middle school students. The "Enlighten" program is delivered in Milwaukee Public Schools, and helps students learn to express themselves through the magical world of theater. They also have the opportunity to learn about all the possible careers connected to theater — musicians, costume designers, makeup artists, choreographers, lighting designers and marketing specialists.
Alvi's Awesome Lung Adventure: Learning about healthy lifestyles should start early. Through a partnership with the American Lung Association, the Foundation supports this unique health education program. Through the use of interactive "Alvi," kids learn about lung health, asthma and the dangers of smoking in group settings at schools throughout Milwaukee. Collateral materials allow the students to share worthwhile information with their families after participating in the program.