African American Youth Initiative

What is AAYI?

Value Statements

We value the unique voice of each student and their active engagement with leadership and learning
We value the power of authentic student identity fully formed through self-love, high worth and cultural history
We value truthful, trusting, honest, and sustainable relationships that provide advocacy, role modeling, deep connection and a networked community
We value a culture of belonging for all of our students where they feel safe, understood, appreciated, and empowered
We value high expectations through fierce advocacy for ourselves and others
We value persistence–never giving up
We value the power of envisioning a successful future

Mission Alignment

Mission of Kenosha Unified School District
To provide excellent, challenging learning opportunities and experiences that prepare each student for success.
Mission of Closing the Achievement Gap
To embrace and change, with deliberate speed, school practices, instructional methodology and school structures that perpetuate the achievement gaps in our schools

Mission Statement

The mission of AAYI is to empower and engage the African American Youth by breaking the educational, cultural, and social divide through advocacy and education that ensures long term success and stability in family, school, work, and community.

NEWS

Youth CommUNITY Conversation

Calling all Kenosha youth – let your voice be heard! Come help create the change you want to see. The next Youth CommUNITY Conversations will be…

October 19, 2022, Bradford High School Cafeteria, Doors open at 4:00 pm, conversation starts at 4:30 pm.
November 30, 2022, Reuther High School

Purpose: “Young people have a unique perspective in society. They hold powerful beliefs, skillsets, and lived experiences. We recognize they will inherit whatever world this generation creates, and, in many spaces, they represent those closest to the problems that we seek to solve. Youth CommUNITY Conversations are an opportunity to lift the youth voice and empower the next generation to proactively work to build the future they envision. Our desire is to see youth participate in collective impact work to influence policy and practice in education in Kenosha County.”
– Lawrence Kirby with Building Our Future

Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone CEO Scholarship

The Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Fund, a component of the Kenosha Community Foundation, is offering a scholarship opportunity to all eligible Kenosha Unified School District High Schools, Shoreland Lutheran, Christian Life and St. Joseph Catholic Academy High School seniors pursuing their education at a two-year or four-year institution.

Learn more and apply at the Mahone Fund website.