Brighter Futures
This program helps Milwaukee youth explore careers, gain hands-on experience, and build the skills they need to succeed. Through mentoring, tutoring, worksite tours, and career planning, students set goals, build job-readiness skills, and grow in confidence. By combining practical training with wraparound support, Brighter Futures empowers high school students to take charge of their future and achieve success.
Open the Door to a Bright Future
Program Information
Every program is thoughtfully designed to meet kids and teens where they are—building confidence, curiosity, and skills that grow with them. Whether they’re exploring leadership, boosting academic success, learning life skills, or preparing for their future, each experience connects to one of our five core areas of growth. Some programs require sign-up, and many are created or guided by Team MarVan to ensure high-quality, meaningful experiences that make a lasting impact.
Core Program Area
Ages Served
Complete Your Brighter Futures Application
Eligible students (current grades 9–11) should come to the Mardak Ready Center and bring the following documents to complete their application:
- Proof of Birth (Birth Certificate, Permanent Residency Card, Report Card with DOB, or Passport – no foreign birth certificates)
- Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Form (Form I-551) if not a U.S. citizen
- Social Security Card (copy of front and back)
- Proof of Current Address (no P.O. Boxes; report card, mail/bill, ID, etc.)
Please note: graduating seniors are not currently eligible, and all documents listed above are required to complete the application. Students must be fully enrolled to access any services on the site.
Learn more about the Brighter Futures program.
Have questions? Contact Shantel Downey or call (414) 303-0881.
Additional Programming
B!KE
The B!KE program, open to in-school youth ages 14-21, is a paid internship opportunity for Milwaukee Area youth to gain valuable work experience and become certified bike mechanics. The program is divided into three, two-month phases between the BGC B!ke shop and our partners, DreamBikes and Bublr Bikes.
Career & Employment Opportunities
Boys & Girls Clubs prepare club members who complete their participation in World of Work, Industry Exposure & Skills Training, and Internships to enter post-secondary education with career goals in mind or find full-time, unsubsidized employment.
World of Work | Ages 5-21
Utilizing a combination of classroom training, job shadowing, and internships, World of Work helps members ages 5 to 21 prepare for employment and gain work experience. Program goals include teaching youth how to apply for a job, gain skills that lead to permanent employment, and manage their incomes.
Industry Exposure & Skills Training | Ages 14-21
With an emphasis on careers rather than just jobs, Industry Exposure & Skills Training programming gives members ages 14-21 exposure to careers across a variety of industries. Through hands-on experience and paid work experience, students acquire skills to be successful in future careers and in some cases, earn industry-specific certifications.
Internships | Ages 15-21
Through partnerships with the private sector, the Clubs provide youth ages 15-21 with internship opportunities in the retail, healthcare industries, IT, auto mechanics, engineering fields, and more. Internships let Club members put their training into practice while building resume-worthy experience and earning wages, which are subsidized through state government programs.
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
Upon completion of this 16-week program, high school students receive college credit and the opportunity to test for Certified Medical Administrative Assistant credentials, and gain skills in customer service, HIPPA and EMR training, and more.
Certified Nurse's Aide
In this free four-week program for high school students. CNA students will learn about patient care, anatomy, physiology, infection control, rehabilitation and restorative care, cultural diversity, and more.
Culinary Arts
In this training course, students will receive ServSafe Certification and learn kitchen basics such as food handling and safety, knife skills, baking, table setting, food recipes, meal prep, and more.
Information Technology Support
This 40-week program offers high school students a diploma in Information Technology Technical Support. Students will gain extensive skills in supporting network systems and computer devices, IT software and systems, and more.
Notes for Notes
This program gives members the opportunity to explore, create, and record music under the guidance of Notes for Notes producer Dae Hill. Members can write, sing, and produce music, and will be introduced to new career paths within the music industry.
Express Your Interest in Career Development Opportunities
Join the Club
With dozens of locations around Milwaukee, we’re proud to be the largest Boys & Girls Club in the country—but what truly matters is what happens inside. Each Club is a safe, welcoming space where kids feel valued and supported as they grow and create a great future. Find the Club nearest you.
