Academic Support

Helping Students & Schools Succeed

Our work is a multi-faceted tapestry with funds meticulously raised and thoughtfully distributed across a spectrum of vital areas

Learning Journeys

STEAM Fair

UNSIL World Fair

UWM Design Build Camp

Learning Journeys

Learning Journeys is a Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation initiative, supported solely by Herb Kohl Philanthropies, serving as a powerful experiential learning opportunity designed to expand students’ understanding of civics, history, and leadership. Through this initiative, all Milwaukee Public Schools ninth graders are given the opportunity to participate in a week-long educational trip to Washington, D.C. This immersive experience connects classroom learning to the real world by allowing students to engage directly with the institutions, landmarks, and history that shape American democracy.

The Washington, D.C. journey is more than a field trip—it is an investment in students’ academic growth and civic engagement. By visiting historic sites, museums, memorials, and government institutions, students gain firsthand insight into how democracy works and how history continues to influence the present. The program reflects a memorialized commitment from US Senator Herb Kohl, ensuring that every ninth-grade student has access to meaningful, memorable learning experiences beyond the classroom, regardless of financial circumstance. With Herb Kohl Philanthropies serving as the sole sponsor, this initiative stands as a remarkable example of how philanthropy can open doors, inspire young people, and strengthen public education in Milwaukee.

STEAM Fair

Each year, the MPS STEAM Fair highlights the creativity, curiosity, and innovation of students from across the district. Showcasing outstanding projects in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, the fair features student work that has advanced from school-level competitions.

Students from K4 through 12th grade present projects in three categories—Science Inquiry, Engineering Design, and Research Study (high school only)—demonstrating how academic concepts can be applied to solve real-world challenges.

In 2026, the event welcomed 679 student competitors and an additional 30 student exhibitors representing 50 MPS schools. Together, they showcased innovative ideas, research, and designs, reflecting the talent and dedication of students across the district.

The fair continues to provide opportunities for students to explore STEM and creative disciplines through hands-on learning and collaboration.

Special Features Include:

An Art component allowed students to collaboratively create glow art using glow-in-the-dark supplies
Agriculture tours of Vincent farm, offering hands-on learning in sustainability and food systems

Drone presentations from the Milwaukee Police Department

This inspiring event is made possible through the generous support of the MPS Foundation, GE HealthCare, ATC, Generac, and Accelerated Learning- STEMSCOPES.

UNSIL World Fair

The United Nations Schools of International Learning, or UNSIL, program is implemented in grades 4 through 8 at 18 MPS’ most diverse schools, where thousands of participating students speak 35 different languages. In the program, students learn about the United Nations and its 193 member countries throughout the world. They think critically about real-world problems, research solutions, and work together to develop a global perspective.

Each year culminates in a World Fair where students present their work to each other and to the community and enjoy cultural performances from fellow MPS students. Through this experience, students master critical academic skills such as research, writing, and presenting with a focus on world affairs and current events. Students gain skills in debate, negotiation, and conflict resolution, and they develop empathy and tolerance—all competencies that will serve them well in college and career.

The World Fair is made possible by visionary local philanthropists: the Annette J. Roberts & Joan R. Robertson Fund for World Peace, World Law, and Peace Education. Through the MPS Foundation and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the trustees of this fund established the United Nations Schools of International Learning curriculum in MPS.

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at Norcross HIgh School in Norcross, Georgia on Tuesday December 8, 2015. Photographer: ©2015 Chris Rank/ Rank Studios.

UWM Design Build Camp

The UW–Milwaukee Design & Build Camp combines architecture and engineering through hands-on projects. Rising MPS juniors and seniors design and build solutions for a community client while developing STEM skills, exploring college and career pathways, and working alongside industry professionals. Participants earn a stipend and high school internship credit upon successful completion.