January 16, 2017
Contact(s):
City Year Milwaukee
414-520-0535 | [email protected]
MORE THAN 500 VOLUNTEERS JOIN CITY YEAR MILWAUKEE
FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY OF SERVICE
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and more than 500 volunteers
beautified Rufus King International Middle School
MILWAUKEE, WI (January 16, 2017) – City Year, a national organization dedicated to helping
students and schools succeed by deploying diverse teams of trained AmeriCorps members to high-need
schools, today mobilized 130 staff and corps members and 500 local volunteers for a day of service in
honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City Year has partnered with Milwaukee Public Schools since 2010.
For City Year, Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday is a day “on,” not a day off.
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and others joined 130 staff and corps members at Rufus King International
Middle School where an estimated 500 volunteers helped paint inspirational murals in hallways and
classrooms.
"This Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service creates a positive impact on our students, families and
community” said Principal Tamera Ellis. “Rufus King International Middle School is grateful for all of
the volunteers who came together to add inspirational murals to some of the blank walls of our new
location."
Across the country, City Year locations honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by
commemorating Dr. King’s dream of the “Beloved Community.” In coordination with local partners,
City Year brings together thousands of volunteers nationwide to engage in service projects each MLK
Day that transform the places where children learn and grow.
“City Year Milwaukee is able to reflect on the legacy and commitment to service that Marin Luther King,
Jr. inspired in all people," said Meralis Hood, Managing Director of Impact, City Year Milwaukee. "It is
empowering to unite as a community to inspire the students at Rufus King International Middle
School. Though our work in 11 Milwaukee Public Schools, and through our partnerships with the
Milwaukee business community, and the parents of Milwaukee who have supported our efforts, our
AmeriCorps members honor that legacy each and every day.”
100 City Year Milwaukee corps members serve full-time at 11 Milwaukee Public Schools to provide
individualized academic and social-emotional supports to students who face the greatest risk of dropping
out. Working side-by-side with teachers, AmeriCorps members use research-based tools to improve
students’ attendance, behavior and course performance in math and English. Corps members also lead
afterschool programs and school-wide initiatives to improve school culture.
City Year Milwaukee teams are sponsored locally by The Brewers Community Foundation, The David V.
Uihlein Sr. Foundation, The David & Julia Uihlein Charitable Foundation, The M&I Foundation,
Rockwell Automation and The United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County.
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January 16, 2017
Contact(s):
City Year Milwaukee
414-520-0535 | [email protected]
City Year helps students and schools succeed. An education organization fueled by national service, City Year
partners with public schools in 28 urban, high-need communities across the U.S. and through international affiliates
in the U.K. and South Africa. Diverse teams of City Year AmeriCorps members provide high-impact student,
classroom and school-wide support to help students stay in school and on track to graduate from high school, ready
for college and career success. A recent study shows that schools that partner with City Year were 2-3 times
more likely to realize math and English gains. A proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network, City
Year is made possible by support from the Corporation for National and Community Service, school district
partnerships, and private philanthropy from corporations, foundations and individuals. Learn more
at www.cityyear.org.
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