A new program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing youth in three Wisconsin counties the opportunity to partner with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension in exploring their post-high school educational and career options.

With $640,000 awarded by the USDA’s Children, Youth, and Families at Risk (CYFAR) program, the UW-Madison Division of Extension, in collaboration with North Carolina Agricultural & Technical University, has launched “Nia: Pathways and Purpose for the Future.”

Nia focuses on serving youth in Waukesha, Rock, and Kenosha Counties, where Black, Indigenous, and other youth of color often face challenges in the transition from high school to college, careers, and adult life. Beginning in middle school, Nia participants will explore a range of options, connect with mentors, and learn about college, professional training, and career pathways to make informed decisions about their futures.

“In youth development, there is a lack of culturally relevant, evidence-based programs that give youth who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) the chance to explore their post-high school pathways while developing their cultural identities”

– Joe Maldonado, Extension’s Community Youth Development Program Manager

Nia is a Swahili word meaning “purpose”

Nia in Rock County

• Youth Community and Field Trips: Nia youth from Rock and Waukesha Counties attended a field trip to Chicago, combining hands-on experiences at the Museum of Science and Industry with cultural exploration at the DuSable Museum of Black History. Rock County Nia youth also engaged in local 4-H activities, such as aquarium visits and teaching STEM at a fair.
• Professional Connections: Youth connected with community professionals matching their career interests, who also shared personal stories and growth experiences. This year’s professionals included barber shop owners, mental health experts, human services workers, and medical imaging specialists.
• Community Spaces in Rock County: Field trips to local cultural and educational spaces helped both youth and school staff discover valuable community resources. For instance, a tour of SSM Health facilitated connections to Blackhawk Technical College.
• Postsecondary Pathways Network: Strengthened ties between Nia staff and postsecondary professionals created a support network that enhanced the accessibility of career guidance within schools, benefiting postsecondary pathways countywide.
• Cultural Awareness: In Janesville, Nia elevated cultural awareness by connecting youth to events like Juneteenth and Hispanic Heritage Month through both participation and online resources. For example, a Snapchat update on Juneteenth featured local speakers, and a YWCA video on Kwanzaa inspired a Nia field trip, integrating cultural relevance into the program.

Nia in Kenosha County

• The Nia Educator in Kenosha County collaborated with the African American Youth Initiative (AAYI) in the Kenosha Unified School District, developing a comprehensive work plan for Fall 2022. AAYI facilitated student access, program ideas, guest speakers, and field trips. Key partners included Gateway Technical College, Carthage College, UW-Milwaukee, Kenosha Creative Space, the Kenosha Fire Department, local alders, businesses, and nonprofits.

Nia in Waukesha County

• The program strengthened connections between students, Waukesha North High School, and the local community. By conducting assessments, it identified students’ interests in leadership, culture, and college/career options. A youth leadership team was formed, enabling students to help shape the program and voice their needs for success. The program, which meets biweekly, exposed students to an evidence-based curriculum covering culture, leadership, and post-secondary exploration.
• Community integration included bringing in local leaders, Black entrepreneurs, and finance/college professionals. Students engaged in community events, museum visits, college tours, and service projects.
• Partnerships with North Carolina A&T professors and interns provided insights and strategies for navigating higher education, especially at HBCUs.