A leadership journey built with young people

Navigators gives youth a long term path to understand who they are, build confidence, and move through Milwaukee with purpose. Every year, young people explore their interests, practice leadership, and support others as they grow.

Navigators follows young people from grade three through young adulthood.
Every stage builds identity, courage, and leadership.

Explore. Lead. Mentor.

These three stages anchor every year, at every age, with developmentally aligned responsibilities that grow as youth grow.

Grades 3 to 6

Discover. Try. Grow.

Exploratory years with real leadership development

Young people in grades three to six experience hands on learning, movement across the city, and joyful opportunities that help them discover how they learn, lead, and connect. Everything is built to spark curiosity and build early leadership skills.

Explore

Youth try new things, ask questions, and follow curiosity through hands on experiences, creative problem solving, and movement through different spaces.

Lead

Youth step into simple group roles, practice making choices, communicate with peers, and take on responsibilities that build confidence and independence.

Mentor

Youth learn how to support younger peers, model care, guide routines, and practice being steady and helpful members of their community.

Grades 3 to 6 gives young people the foundation to grow with confidence and belonging.

Grades 7 to 12

Interest based tracks with deeper leadership opportunities

Young people in grades seven to twelve move into interest based tracks that match their passions and curiosity. They expand their identity through real Milwaukee experiences, collaborative projects, and meaningful leadership roles.

Explore

Youth choose an interest area such as civic engagement, aviation and STEM, environmental systems, arts, and community impact. They learn what aligns with their identity and goals.

Lead

Youth take on leadership roles within their track, guide teamwork, plan parts of projects, practice public speaking, and make real decisions that influence group work.

Mentor

Youth support younger Navigators, co lead activities, guide peers through track sessions, and practice leadership that prepares them for school, work, and community.

Grades 7 to 12 creates clarity, skill building, and meaningful opportunities for growth.

What Makes Navigators Different?

A long term leadership system

Not a one season program. A developmental path from grades three to young adulthood.

Consistent mentors who follow through

Youth feel supported by adults who care, guide, and stay steady.

Cross neighborhood connection

Youth build friendships across Milwaukee and expand their worldview.

A grounded culture

The PK Way and the Sandbox hold expectations and keep every space safe, consistent, and joyful.

Real experiences in real places

Milwaukee becomes the learning space. Partners open doors to civic, academic, and career opportunities.

Identity Centered
Interest Driven
Action Oriented
Readiness Based

Who We Serve

  • Youth in grades 3 to 12

  • Young adults stepping into leadership roles

  • Families seeking long term support and clear expectations

  • Mentors committed to steady, meaningful youth development

  • Partners interested in opening doors for youth across Milwaukee

The Experience

  • hands on learning

  • leadership roles at every age

  • peer mentoring

  • citywide exploration

  • track based learning

  • partner led sessions

  • opportunities that prepare them for school, work, and community

  • strong relationships

  • joy and connection

Track Pathways

Pathmakers is for youth in grades 7 to 12 who want to lead change where they live. They explore power, practice advocacy, and grow through action, reflection, and care.
Civic Engagement and Community Change
Learn more

Track Focus

Jetsetters is where systems meet imagination. youth explore how people, goods, and ideas move through the air and beyond. 
Wayfinders is where youth lead through water. they explore how waterways and ports shape movement, trade, and connection.
Ecobuilders is where youth lead through care and challenge. they explore how environmental systems affect people's lives and focus on community impact.
Groundbreakers is where youth turn ideas into impact. they explore how economic systems shape opportunity and how creative thinking builds new ones.
Culturecrafters is where youth lead through story. Whether through poetry, media, movement, or music, youth study how narratives create power and belonging.
Transporation, aerospace, innnovation and future infrastructure
Coming Soon 
waterways, maritime systems, and the everday power of water
Coming Soon 
Environmental systems, climate justice, equity, and sustainability

Who is it for?

Coming Soon 
Economic systems, entrepreneurship, innovation and ownership
Coming Soon 
Narrative systems, cultural influence, arts and expression
Coming Soon

Join the Path