Raising the next generation
Helping our children to become self-reliant and productive members of the community is a responsibility we all share. Our youth programs help young people develop the tools and confidence they need to make better decisions and avoid the pitfalls of negative or self-destructive behavior.
We provide year-round opportunities for young people ages 7-19 to learn, grow and develop life-sustaining skills in a safe and healthy environment.
“With MCC’s help, I go new places and learn new things.”
– Ana, Youth Development Program participant

Help shape a generation
Your donation helps us continue the types of effective programs that transform today’s at-risk youth into tomorrow’s community leaders.
Youth Programs
The young people we serve today will grow into the adults who shape the future of our neighborhoods. We nurture their full potential by providing academic enrichment, social development, recreation and leadership activities in a safe and supportive environment.
YouthBuild
YouthBuild provides young adults ages 18-25 with education and hands-on construction training while building homes for low/moderate income families. YouthBuild members pursue their GED, receive hard and soft skills training, earn an hourly stipend and qualify for post-secondary education grants while giving back to their community. For information on joining the YouthBuild program, or employing graduates of the program, call (414) 902-5394.
YouthBuild is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Department of Labor (through a partnership with the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board), the City of Milwaukee Community Development Grants Administration, HUD, and others. Operation Fresh Start in Madison, WI provides technical assistance.
For questions, call the MCC YouthBuild program at (414) 902-5394, or the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) number 711. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. The Department of Labor funds this program. MCCYB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
![]() |
![]() |
Click here for more information and income qualifications for affordable housing from MCC.
Click here to view our homes currently for sale
Making Proud Choices
This evidence-based program is designed to empower teens to gain knowledge to make safe decisions, develop healthy relationships, and prevent dating and peer violence. In addition to working on reducing the risk of unplanned pregnancy, Making Proud Choices offers an 8-week comprehensive sex education curriculum, facilitated for middle and high school youth in the City of Milwaukee. Call (414) 902-5393 to learn more about this program.
Safe Place at Forest Home Avenue Elementary School
The Safe Place Program at Forest Home Avenue Elementary School offers students supervised extracurricular and enrichment activities in a safe and constructive environment with a ratio of one adult to 15 children. The students receive:
- Early entrance to the school building before the school day begins
- After-school food program
- Homework help
- A chance to participate in other activities and recreation
Hours:
Safe Place program hours are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7:35 a.m. and
2:20 p.m.-6 p.m.
Safe Place at Forest Home Avenue Elementary School
1516 W Forest Home Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53204
(Google Map)
Youth Development
Our Youth Development program features the after-school program at the Kosciuszko Community Center. The Kozy Youth Development Program provides positive academic and social activities to more than 400 neighborhoods kids ages seven to 18.
Activities include:
- Homework help
- Sports teams
- Mentoring
- Field trips
- Community service
- Health and wellness activities
- Computer instruction
- Youth leadership council
- After-school food program
Kozy Youth Development program hours are Monday-Friday, 3 p.m.-7p.m.
Kozy Youth Development at the Kosciuszko Community Center
2201 S. 7th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53215
Milwaukee Violence Free Zone
The Milwaukee Violence Free Zone (MVFZ) program operates in five Milwaukee Public School locations. This program connects MPS teachers, safety workers and administrative staff in efforts to improve the overall safety and learning environment within urban schools.
The guiding principle of the MVFZ program is the belief that the characteristics that make some students chronically disruptive can also make them strong leaders among their peers. The goal of the program is to transform a school’s climate by building relationships with chronically disruptive kids who in turn can positively influence other students. Violence Free Zone personnel serve as mentors and provide students with community resources to assist with helping students achieve academic and social success.
Young Professionals Academy
The Young Professionals Academy (YPA) extends the impact of the MVFZ program, preparing students to successfully enter the workforce. Through community leadership and employment skills training YPA participants gain the confidence and skills needed for building successful careers and lifelong community involvement. YPA is a collaborative effort partnering with Milwaukee area employers.
Call (414) 517-2743 for more information on the Milwaukee Violence Free Zone program and the Young Professionals Academy.
We operate Violence Free Zone and Young Professional Academy programs at Bay View High School, Bradley Tech High School, Casimir Pulaski High School, James Madison Academic Campus and South Division High School.
Youth Alternatives
MCC, in collaboration with the Social Development Commission (SDC), offers a program for juvenile offenders, ages 10-17 with citations in Milwaukee County: Community Service Options Program (CSOP). This program is designed to prevent future offenses by making young people more accountable for their behavior through site placement and community service hours. The goal is that upon completion of the program, participants will not re-offend and will become productive members of the community. Call (414) 382-7424 to learn more about this program.
MVFZ at Bay View
High School
2751 S Lenox St.
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(Google Map)
MVFZ at Bradley Tech High School
700 S 4th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53204
(Google Map)
MVFZ at Casimir Pulaski High School
2500 W. Oklahoma Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53215
(Google Map)
MVFZ at James Madison Academic Campus
8135 W. Florist Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53218
(Google Map)
MVFZ at South Division High School
1515 W. Lapham Blvd.
Milwaukee, WI 53204
(Google Map)
807 S. 14th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Phone: (414) 645-5350
Fax: (414) 645-1859