ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 TRANSFORMING LIVES SINCE 1973
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 MISSION
2 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
3 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF, SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
4 MILESTONES
9 MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND BOARD PRESIDENT
12 SHALOM
14 NOVA
16 EL PUENTE
18 ESCUELA VERDE
20 NOVA TECH
22 DEMOGRAPHICS AND DATA
24 FINANCIALS
27 DONORS
29 PARTNERS AND VOLUNTEERS
31 INVEST IN EDUCATION THAT WORKS
II
MISSION
The mission of TransCenter for Youth, Inc. is to provide high quality educational
programs that allow at-risk youth and others opportunities to become productive
adults and responsible community members.
We realize this mission by operating a portfolio of five innovative urban schools.
Each school is unique in its design, curriculum, and focus. Parents, teachers, and
youth are empowered to build a culture of community and inclusion within a
living and breathing educational environment.
TRANSCENTER FOR YOUTH, INC. PORTFOLIO OF INNOVATIVE URBAN EDUCATION
MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MILWAUKEE PARENTAL CITY OF MILWAUKEE SCHOOLS CHOICE PROGRAM COMMON COUNCIL
PARTNERSHIP SCHOOLS: PRIVATE SCHOOL: INDEPENDENT CHARTER SHALOM EL PUENTE SCHOOLS: NOVA ESCUELA VERDE
NON-INSTRUMENTALITY CHARTER SCHOOL: NOVA TECH
1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS: Ann-Marie Moss Feeding America Luis Arroyo, President Antonio Riley Michael Best & Friedrich LLP Department of Housing & Urban Felita Daniels-Ashley, Vice President Development Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council Dr. Felicia Saffold Brian Dix, Treasurer UW-Milwaukee School of Education Northwestern Mutual
Mary Clare Fagin, Secretary HONORARY DIRECTORS: MC Strategies Dr. René Antrop-González
DIRECTORS: Mayor Thomas Barrett Dr. James Blackburn Dale Boehm Caspian Technologies Dr. Howard Fuller Dale Gilliam Dr. Peggy Kendrigan GBG Insurance Agency Michelle Nettles Armando Ibarra* GMR Marketing Debra Ogsten
Gladys Manzanet Dr. Charles Stubbs Northwestern Mutual Scott Wick Ken Marsh Infinity Benefit Solutions
Judge Derek Mosley Milwaukee Municipal Court
*Graduate, El Puente High School 2 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Dr. Daniel Grego, Executive Director
Nancy Meylink, Administrative Assistant
Bobbi Aguero, Dean of School Development
Janet Peshek, Director of Fund Development
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
Shalom High School Co-Directors: Gwendolyn Spencer, Laura Rohling
NOVA Principal: Scott Campbell, Assistant Principal: Nancy DeYoung Dean of Students: Pat Bridges
El Puente High School Co-Directors: Lynn Klipstine, John Surges
Escuela Verde Spokespersons: Dr. Joella Zocher, Bethany Vannest
NOVA Tech Principal: Scott Campbell, Assistant Principal: Nancy DeYoung Dean of Students: Antoinette Curtis
3 MILESTONES
2 4 6
1970’s 1980’s 1990’s 2000’s
1 3 5
1. 1973: TransCenter for Youth, Inc. is officially 2. 1985: Shalom High School contracts with incorporated in the State of Wisconsin MPS as one of Milwaukee’s first Partnership and recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit Schools following the passing of Wisconsin organization by the Internal Revenue Service. Statute 118.153, the “Children at Risk Statute.”
This Statute opened the doors for a new • TransCenter for Youth, Inc. operates a vision of public education. Partnership schools group foster home for adjudicated youth. provide educational options for students TransCenter runs group homes for adjudicated identified as “at-risk of not graduating high youth until 2002. school” or experiencing difficulty in • Shalom High School is established as a a traditional school setting. private, independent, alternative school for
“marginal students” – those identified as at- 3. 1993: The successful outcomes at Shalom risk of not completing high school. High School inspired the founding of NOVA
4 8 10
2000’s 2010 - 2015
7 9
(Northwest Opportunities Vocational 5. 2002: After a year’s reflection and strategic
Academy) as a MPS Partnership School. planning, the board decides to transfer the
The NWSCDC (Northwest Side Community group homes to another non-profit agency,
Development Corporation) and the then the Nehemiah Project, and to focus on
Northwest Business Council partnered with education.
TransCenter for Youth to establish NOVA as 6. 2003-2010: The Bill & Melinda Gates an alternative school-to-work program. Foundation made a $17.25 million grant
4. 1997: El Puente High School is founded as to Milwaukee in support of a New Vision
a MPS Partnership school to serve students on of Secondary Education. TransCenter
Milwaukee’s Southside. It contracts with MPS created TALC, or the Technical Assistance &
with successful results for the next 14 years. Leadership Center to administer the grant.
TransCenter worked to develop new leadership
5 for small high schools through coaching and 7. 2011: El Puente relocates to the Layton other assistance to new school founders, from Boulevard West Neighborhood thanks to the visioning process through the opening of a generous sponsor. El Puente becomes a the schools. private school whose students enroll through
the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program or • TALC helped 42 small high schools open MPCP. in Milwaukee allowing 5000 students access every year to alternative educational • TransCenter for Youth, Inc. receives an opportunities. Today, many of the TALC umbrella charter by the Common Council of schools founded during these years continue the City of Milwaukee. their work to provide quality educational 8. 2012: Escuela Verde is founded as opportunities including several schools rated TransCenter’s first school chartered by the City as “Top High Schools in Wisconsin” by the US of Milwaukee Common Council. Based on the News & World Report and Washington Post: EdVisions Project-Based Learning Model and Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High dedicated to education for sustainability and School, Carmen High School of Science & social justice, Escuela Verde quickly becomes Technology, Eastbrook Academy, and Hmong one of the most exciting new schools in American Peace Academy. In addition, Tenor Milwaukee. High School, The Alliance School of Milwaukee, as well as Milwaukee Collegiate Academy all 9. 2014: NOVA Tech is founded as a Non- have been recognized as “Charter School of Instrumentality Charter with Milwaukee the Year” by the Milwaukee Charter School Public Schools. Its focus is on STEM (Science, Advocates. Technology, Engineering, and Math) subjects
6 to create a workforce development path to • The success of Escuela Verde sparks the jobs in manufacturing and technology. interest of African American community
Through a unique partnership with GPS leaders to replicate Escuela Verde’s model
Education Partners and Capitol Stampings, on the Northside of Milwaukee. “The Green
NOVA Tech offers students the opportunity School” proposal was passed unanimously by to gain hands-on experience and advanced the City of Milwaukee Common Council on training. November 25, 2014.
• Escuela Verde continues to grow and needs 10. 2015: Escuela Verde welcomes students to additional space. TransCenter purchases their new space. a building in the Layton Boulevard West • Planning begins for “The Green School” with Neighborhood at the head of the Hank Aaron a goal to open for the 2017-2018 school year. Trail and next door to the Urban Ecology
Center Menomonee Valley branch.
7 8 MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND BOARD PRESIDENT
Dear Valued Friends and Supporters,
The African proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” guides TransCenter for
Youth, Inc. in its mission to provide innovative urban educational options for
at-risk and other youth. In its truest form, the village was inclusive, influential,
integrated, and met the needs of its members who shared an emotional
connection.
Over time, the village changed. Youth in our modern-day village are “raised”
by standardized systems, and measured with metrics of abstract value.
Unfortunately, many youth fall through the cracks. They may be at-risk of
not completing high school. They may be experiencing issues at home.
They may simply “not fit in.”
9 • Peace Propaganda Project, Milwaukee Art
ONE STUDENT Museum & Arts@Large. DROPS OUT EVERY * • Earth Day Clean Up, Northwest Side
26 SECONDS Community Development Corporation.
The reality is that in modern America, every Their efforts garnered recognition to include: 26 seconds a teen drops out of high school.*
• Shalom High School named a “2014 School TransCenter for Youth, Inc. and its schools of Merit” for their efforts in Positive Behavioral provide inclusive and innovative learning Interventions & Supports Program. communities where stakeholders share a • NOVA High School class of 2015 graduate common vision and participate in preparing receives full athletic scholarship to Mississippi young people for lives worth living and work Valley State. worth doing. Most importantly, TransCenter schools encourage youth to play a critical • El Puente High School receives accreditation role in their communities including from WRISA (Wisconsin Religious and participation in efforts like the following: Independent Schools Association).
• Escuela Verde receives the “2014 Earthguard • Milwaukee Peace Project, City of Milwaukee. Award” by the Wisconsin Association for
• March to Equality Exhibit, Arts@Large. Environmental Education.
Dontre Hamilton Video, Black Nouveau, • • NOVA Tech graduates its first class of
Milwaukee Public Television. seniors. Students are exposed to career and
vocational options in manufacturing and
*America’s Promise Alliance based on data from the United States Department of Education 10 technology a priority in partnership with GPS partners…the “village” recognized and
Education Partners, Capitol Stampings, and honored in this Annual Report.
Girls in Tech MKE. Thank you for your generosity.
Transforming lives since 1973, TransCenter Luis Arroyo, Board President for Youth, Inc. appreciates the support of Daniel Grego, PhD, Executive Director the community, donors, volunteers, funders,
11 SHALOM
1749 N. 16th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53205 www.shalomhighschool.org
When Shalom High School was founded in 1973, students were asked to choose
a name. They chose Shalom. “Shalom” is a word of Hebrew origin that means to
be whole or sound, to feel completeness, wholeness, well-being, and peace.
These core values continue to guide Shalom today.
As a MPS Partnership School, Shalom offers educational options for students
identified as “at-risk of not graduating from high school” or those who are
experiencing difficulty in a traditional school setting.
Shalom’s model was carefully developed by staff in consultation with experts
in the field to meet the educational needs of at-risk youth. Shalom students earn
high school diplomas through a credit-learning model. Students take traditional
high school classes and also earn credits through demonstration of skills or
12 competencies in six areas: communication, “I was on the verge of social interaction, critical thinking and dropping out of school analysis, problem solving and decision making, before I came to Shalom. environmental responsibility and values. When I tell people about To graduate, students must earn 22 credits Shalom, and that it is an in addition to presenting a portfolio of their alternative high school, work before a panel of staff and Shalom High they assume I was a bad School Community Advisory Committee members and community partners. This DOG kid. I tell them, we were or Defense of Graduation is a powerful rite troubled, but when of passage for students and helps youth find we found Shalom, their place in society. we found hope.”
- Shalom High School graduate
13 NOVA
2320 W. Burleigh Street, Milwaukee, WI 53206 www.novahs.org
Working together, NOVA Middle & High School students and staff developed a
mission statement: to graduate proficient, confident, and respectful young adults
with the educational and social skills necessary to succeed in our ever-changing
world. NOVA Middle & High School is a learning community grounded in the core
values of safety, responsibility, and respect.
NOVA Middle & High School was founded in 1993 as a MPS Partnership School,
offering educational options for students identified as “at-risk of not graduating
from high school” or those who are experiencing difficulty in a traditional school
14 setting. In collaboration with the then
Northwest Business Council and the Northwest
Side Community Development Corporation,
NOVA Middle & High School began as an alternative, school-to-work program.
Today, NOVA Middle & High School offers full-day programming leading to a high school diploma. Coursework is relevant to life and work in the 21st century. Professional, “It was a second chance dedicated, and caring staff work in tandem with parents, students, and community for me. I had been out members encouraging students to stay of school for about a in school, develop new skills, and graduate. half-year, and didn’t really know if I would go Students are encouraged to participate in school-to-work programs and to be active back. Then, I discovered participants in their communities through NOVA. They really cared volunteer work and service projects with about what happened credits earned towards graduation to me, and to my fellow requirements for NOVA High School seniors. students. It was a real nice experience.”
- NOVA High School graduate
15 EL PUENTE
1127 S. 35th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215 www.elpuentehs.com
El Puente means “the bridge” in Spanish. Since 1997, El Puente High School has
been the bridge for at-risk youth in Milwaukee offering a learning community with
structure and support. El Puente High School connects students to opportunities
to build a successful future.
El Puente participates in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program that
allows at-risk youth in the city to attend a private school of their choice.
The Choice Program has proven to be a great resource for low-income students
and their parents.
16 The curriculum is designed to prepare students for transition into a traditional university setting, technical college, or full-time employment. El Puente High School is committed to provide a small, safe, and nurturing learning environment that helps students to discover how they learn best.
Required for graduation from El Puente is the
TROLLS process. TROLLS is an acronym for
“Thorough Review Of Learning & Life Skills”, “They pushed me and I and at El Puente, a rite of passage and a am glad they did. They symbol of pride. Students present their work refused to allow my in front the Graduation Committee, which potential to go to waste. is comprised of business leaders, board They challenged me, and members, volunteers, teachers, student-peers, truly cared about my and community leaders. future.”
- El Puente High School graduate
17 ESCUELA VERDE
3628 W. Pierce Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215 www.escuelaverde.org
Escuela Verde was founded in 2012 with the mission to cultivate a community
that is participatory, just, sustainable, and peaceful. Run as a teachers’
cooperative, Escuela Verde advisors and staff interdependently manage day-to-
day operations. They are seen as equal partners in education, which is extended
to parents and students.
A Public Charter School authorized by the City of Milwaukee Common Council,
Escuela Verde integrates the EdVisions, project-based education model.
Students develop, research, and produce their own projects, meeting learning
goals on their own terms. Students along with their advisors, develop
Personalized Learning Plans designed to meet each student’s individual needs as
he or she works towards earning a high school diploma and preparing for
post-secondary education.
18 Students incorporate Education Standards “I can always talk openly for Sustainability into each of their projects. with my advisors about These Standards include: cultural preservation my problems, like stress and transformation, responsible local and global citizenship, the dynamics of systems and things outside of and change, sustainable economics, healthy school. I know they will commons, natural laws and ecological help me and are there principles, inviting and affecting the future, for me no matter, so I am multiple perspectives and strong sense of comfortable here.” place.
- Student at Escuela Verde Students are self-determined learners who with creativity and curiosity learn from and with the community, in efforts to create sustainable transformation.
19 NOVA TECH
2433 W. Roosevelt, Milwaukee, WI 53208 www.novatechhs.org
Recognizing workforce shortages in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Math) and technical fields, NOVA Tech was launched in 2014 as a
Non-Instrumentality Charter School authorized by MPS.
NOVA Tech’s mission is to provide relevant educational pathways for high school
students interested in future career and vocational opportunities in the growing
STEM fields. It incorporates 21st century learning models including Blended
Learning, Project-Based Learning, and Flipping the Classroom. Academics are
applied through communication, collaboration, and creative problem solving.
Through a partnership with GPS Educational Partners, NOVA Tech offers
specialized instruction in core academics applied to manufacturing. Students
participate in a Youth Apprenticeship Program and receive pay for work. NOVA
20 Tech also encourages young women to prepare “I graduated high school for STEM and technical careers combatting with real technical skills. stereotypes about women and girls in science. I feel I am ready for the NOVA Tech students work towards their high world.” school diplomas while earning a two-year - Student at NOVA Tech Certificate from the Department of Workforce
Development. Through real-work experience, students also receive opportunities to gain advanced standing within Wisconsin’s
Technical College System.
21 DEMOGRAPHICS AND DATA
STUDENT POPULATION:
120
100 110 116 102 104 80
60 78
40
20
0 SHALOM NOVA EL PUENTE ESCUELA VERDE NOVA TECH
SPECIAL NEEDS:
30%
25% 28% 29%
20%
15% 19% 16% 10% 13%
5%
0% SHALOM NOVA EL PUENTE ESCUELA VERDE NOVA TECH
22 FREE/REDUCED:
SHALOM 83%
NOVA 93%
EL PUENTE 90%
ESCUELA VERDE 88%
NOVA TECH 92%
78% 80% 82% 84% 86% 88% 90% 92% 94%
2015 POST GRADUATION OUTCOMES:
50%
40% 46%
30%
20% 27% 22% 10% 5%
0% Secondary Ed Career/Vocation Scholarships Uncertain
23 FINANCIALS
ASSETS:
CURRENT ADMIN SHALOM NOVA EL ESCUELA NOVA GREEN ASSETS: PUENTE VERDE TECH SCHOOL
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS: $52,640 $ - $ - $11,800 $117,263 $ - $ -
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE: $27,482 $12,369 $15,842 $1,895 $16,625 $82,641 $18,406
PREPAID INSURANCE: $ - $3,129 $2,367 $1,595 $922 $1,298 $ -
OTHER PREPAIDS: $ - $905 $ - $740 $ - $ - $ -
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
COST: $308,100 $310,133 $128,281 $143,718 $55,954 $ - $ -
CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS: $705,368 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
LESS: ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION: ($107,009) ($298,520) ($128,281) ($143,718) ($5,595) $ - $ -
OTHER ASSETS:
SECURITY DEPOSITS: $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $5,000 $ -
TOTAL ASSETS: $986,581 $28,016 $18,209 $16,030 $185,169 $88,939 $18,406
24 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS:
CURRENT ADMIN SHALOM NOVA EL ESCUELA NOVA GREEN LIABILITIES: PUENTE VERDE TECH SCHOOL
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: $18,248 $7,795 $12,512 $4,418 $5,104 $30,853 $ -
LINE OF CREDIT: $15,000 $2,200 $ - $ - $ - $53,900 $8,900
CURRENT PORTION OF NOTES PAYABLE: $ - $ - $ - $ - $4,726 $ - $ -
GRANTS PAYABLE: $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $9,506
DUE TO/FROM OTHER FUNDS: ($82,346) $143,516 $5,000 $ - ($66,170) $ - $ -
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
NOTES PAYABLE, LESS CURRENT PORTION: $579,471 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS:
UNDESIGNATED: $428,908 ($125,495) $697 $11,612 $241,509 $4,186 $ -
DESIGNATED: $27,300 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS: $986,581 $28,016 $18,209 $16,030 $185,169 $88,939 $18,406
25 REVENUE:
Milwaukee Public Schools: $2,904,458
Milwaukee Parental Choice Program: $832,736
Charter school funding: $646,000
DPI grants: $718,177
Federal and state food service: $35,610
Contributions/Private grants: $131,088
Miscellaneous: $45,657
TOTAL REVENUE: $5,313,726
EXPENSES:
Salaries/Fringe: $1,796,258
Administration: $1,811,296
Program expenses: $1,127,410
Fundraising: $33,328
Facilities: $393,333
Miscellaneous: $2,672
TOTAL EXPENSES: $5,164,297
26 DONORS
Aldo Leopold Foundation Elizabeth Gonzalez
Allen Edmonds GPS Education Partners
AmazonSmile Great Lakes Distillery
Luis Arroyo Green Bay Packers Foundation
Artworks for Milwaukee Amy Heart
Aveda Institute Of Beauty & Wellness Heather Heaviland
Jason Bacon Katharina Hren
Quintin Bendixen Nick Hylla
Nayla Bezares Kristina Kaljo
Braise Kate’s Above Ground Renegade Kitchen
Brewcity Bruisers Jil Kline
Brewers Community Foundation/Brewers Buddies Kohl’s Department Stores Program Lovely Salon Catalyst Construction Tricia Mallett City of Milwaukee Youth Council Gladys & Gene Manzanet Colectivo Coffee Roasters Jeff Mcavoy Dwellephant Meemic Foundation Educators Credit Union Nancy Meylink Ellagraph Studios Milwaukee Bucks Rachel Fell Milwaukee Community Acupuncture Jamie Ferschinger Milwaukee Food & City Tours Fred Geilfuss Jeff Natzke Delia Gonzalez
27 North Point Lighthouse Sweet Water Foundation - SE WI Watersheds Trust, inc.
Pabst/Riverside/Turner Hall Thomas Szolwinksi
Justin Panawash-Bielinksi The Anahata Project
Robert Pavlik The Bull
Janet Peshek The Fitness Asylum
Pie, Inc. The Get Schooled Foundation
Terry Pieniazek Thistle & Shamrock
Richard Pieper Tracy Thompson
PPC Foundation Transfer Pizzeria Cafe
RBC Wealth Management Foundation UW-Stevens Point - Wisconsin Environmental Educational Foundation Rejected Seoul Urban Ecology Center - Menomonee Valley Allen & Judy Ruppel Bethany Vannest Dr. Felicia Saffold Verizon Innovate Learning Award Walter Sams Jeffrey Warchol Scarred For Life WaterStone Bank Tom Shuler Sandra Weeks Skin Care Savant Angela Weller Skyhigh Skateshop Scott Wick Angela Sorby Wisconsin Athletic Club South Shore Cyclery Donna Wycklendt State Employee Combined Campaign Yelp! State Farm YMCA Clay Sterling Z Chiropractic Madisen Stoler JoCasta Zamarripa Stone Creek Coffee
28 PARTNERS AND VOLUNTEERS
Alverno College EdVisions
Artists Working in Education Esperenza Unida, Inc.
Arts@Large GMR Marketing
Artworks for Milwaukee GPS Education Partners
Balzak Greater American Clean-Up
BeePods Hope House Food Pantry
BelAir Cantina Housing Resources, Inc.
Capitol Stampings IFF
Children’s Outing Association - Goldin Center Josh Surges Design
City of Milwaukee Common Council Junior Achievement
City of Milwaukee Youth Council Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful
City Year Layton Boulevard West Neighbors
Classic Slice Lead to Succeed
College Possible Lutheran Volunteer Corp
29 Make a Difference Milwaukee Planned Parenthood
Marquette University Pubic Allies
Medical College of Wisconsin SKAI Academy
Menomonee Valley Partners Soup Market
Midwest Renewable Energy Association True Skool
Milwaukee Charter School Advocates United Way
Milwaukee Christian Center University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Urban Ecology Center
Milwaukee LGBT Community Center UW-Milwaukee Community Media Project
Milwaukee Parental Choice Program Walker’s Point Center for the Arts
Milwaukee Public Schools Walker’s Point Youth & Family Center
MKE Film Wildflower Bakery next.cc Wisconsin Bike Fed
Northwest Side Community Development Corporation Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
PAVE
30 INVEST IN EDUCATION THAT WORKS
Every donation makes a difference to TransCenter for Youth.
Here’s how you can help!
Provide needed financial support for our innovative urban schools:
• Programmic • Equipment
• Operating funds • Capital needs
• Technology • Extra-curricular activities
• In-kind • Gift matching
• Corporate pledges
Participate in TransCenter for Youth, Inc. events and programs:
• Volunteer • Lunch n’ learn
• Social media • Open houses
Visit our website today at www.transcenterforyouth.org to learn more about our innovative urban schools and how you can be a part of education that works.
Thank you for your support.
31