Milwaukee Collegiate Academy students and staff gave back to Milwaukee in the largest day of service in the school’s 11-year history. The day of service, called “MCA Loves Milwaukee” saw over 300 students fanned out across the city to help support those in need and to improve the environment. By the end of the day on Wednesday, October 5, MCA scholars worked to improve their local environment, engaged the city’s youth, provided support for the homeless and help feed the hungry.
MCA partnered with over ten community groups and organizations including the Urban Ecology Center, Milwaukee Center for Independence, Hunger Task Force, Habitat for Humanity, Coggs Center Food Pantry, Sojourner Family Peace Center and Guest House of Milwaukee.
Like many high schools, MCA requires community service as a condition of graduation. According to MCA Principal Judith Parker, the day of service is much more and demonstrates that the school’s students are engaged in the issues and challenges facing the city and are encouraged to explore their leadership potential through service and experiential opportunities.
“Volunteering teaches teens about giving back to the community and participating in something larger than themselves,” said Parker. “In addition to providing a true benefit to the community, this day of service can help teens reflect on what it means to provide a positive contribution to the community and the world and to develop a sense of purpose.”
The day of service aligns with the school’s mission of “nurturing scholars capable of transforming their world, by sending them to and through college,” explained Parker.
Milwaukee Collegiate Academy (MCA) is a public charter high school delivering a college-focused education to high school students for over eleven years.