The Milwaukee Bucks Foundation today announced that it is awarding a $100,000 grant to Schools That Can Milwaukee (STCM), an organization that works to foster better local schools for the children and families who need them most. The grant will be distributed over the next two years, with funds benefitting a variety of STCM programs including many that directly benefit Milwaukee Public Schools.

"On behalf of the Milwaukee Bucks Foundation and our committed ownership group, we’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Schools That Can Milwaukee in a way that will directly lead to improved outcomes for children and families across the city," said Alicia Dupies, executive director of the Milwaukee Bucks Foundation. "Youth education is one of the pillars of our foundation, and an area of critical need in our community as we work to educate our future leaders and ensure that all of our children, regardless of their background, have access to a quality education."

Schools That Can Milwaukee develops school leaders at high-poverty schools with on-the-job coaching, monthly professional development and leadership training programs. Citywide, STCM impacts about 17,000 students through support of more than 200 educators at 43 MPS, independent charter and private Choice schools. The organization works to expand existing high-quality schools, partners with high-potential schools to help them improve and recruits and grows school leadership talent for Milwaukee.

"We are very grateful for this generous support from the Milwaukee Bucks Foundation," STCM Executive Director Abby Andrietsch said. "This investment will allow us to further deepen our positive impact on school leaders and their students in Milwaukee Public Schools and others across the city."

During the 2016-17 school year, educators from 19 MPS schools are receiving development and coaching from STCM. In total, the organization will spend about $500,000 this school year to empower educators serving MPS students. The investment from the Milwaukee Bucks Foundation will directly support that work. For more information on Schools That Can Milwaukee, visit stcmilwaukee.org.

The Milwaukee Bucks Foundation launched in the summer of 2016 with the mission of improving the quality of life for youth and families in Wisconsin, with a focus on three areas of critical need: youth education; youth health and wellness; and community betterment. Through financial grants and innovative partnerships with other community-focused organizations, the Milwaukee Bucks Foundation works to provide better outcomes for children and families in Milwaukee and throughout the state. For more information, visit bucks.com/foundation.