Project Students Talking & Engaged in Prevention Systems (Project STEPS)

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) proposes Project Student Talking Equity and Prevention Systems (STEPS) to address racial equity and violence prevention within the district. With a focus on student voice and community collaboration, Project STEPS aims to enhance safety, promote racial equity, and support student success. The project will target identified schools with the highest rates of suspensions for violent incidents. Activities include implementing racial equity seminars, mentoring programs, de-escalation training, and community partnerships to provide positive opportunities for Milwaukee youth. The primary purpose of Project STEPS is to build racial equity and prevent youth violence by engaging students, staff, and community members in dialogue and action. Through Courageous Conversations about Race seminars and student-led focus groups, the project aims to dismantle institutionalized barriers and promote inclusive school climates. Student mentors from the Black and Latino Male Achievement department will provide support and mentorship to at-risk students, while partnerships with Your Move MKE and SKY Schools offer community-based programming and stress management techniques. Expected outcomes include improved school safety, increased student engagement, and enhanced racial consciousness among students and staff. The project will track behavior data, student surveys, and mentoring program effectiveness to measure progress. Sustainability efforts include ongoing racial equity training, the integration of de-escalation techniques into school practices, and the establishment of sustainable mentorship programs. The service area for Project STEPS includes MPS, the largest school district in Wisconsin, serving over 69,000 students from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Intended beneficiaries are MPS students, particularly those from historically underserved and marginalized communities. Partners include Courageous Conversations about Race, Crisis Prevention Institute, Your Move MKE, Marquette University Peace Works, and SKY Schools.