As labor markets tighten, Milwaukee's teens are not being prepared to successfully transition out of high school and into the workforce. Low skill-levels and high unemployment stand in the way of even the best students.  How can we stop the cycle, and give these kids the boost they need?  The folks at ArtWorks for Milwaukee have found a new approach to getting these students on the right path.

ArtWorks for Milwaukee, Inc. is a  nonprofit that hires and pays an hourly wage to teams of teenaged apprentices for each of its programs, who work with a local, professional Lead Artists to create visual, literary, and mixed media art projects. 

This collaboration uses an art project- complete with a budget, deadlines, and performance reviews- to teach valuable job and life skills to teenagers that need it most. All of our programming promotes teamwork, tolerance for diversity, project management, and prepares young people to successfully enter the workforce in any industry.  

This morning, we had Vanessa LaCoste, Board President of ArtWorks in to studio to tell us more about their organization and their 2nd Annual “Night By The River” Fundraising Event

On Friday, November 5, 2010 from 6-9pm. The event is being held in collaboration with Manpower, Inc. at its global headquarters, downtown Milwaukee.

For more info on the event, visit nightbytheriver.com or artworksformilwaukee.org