American Family Insurance commits $1.2 million to support new concept of Urban Future Centers in Milwaukee

As part of a continuing commitment to the city of Milwaukee and closing equity gaps, American Family Insurance is investing $1.2 million in a new concept called Urban Future Centers, four existing and inclusive community spaces located in diverse, high-population Milwaukee neighborhoods.

The Urban Future Center locations provide a variety of resources, with an emphasis on innovative educational programming in the STEAM disciplines. They also offer arts and cultural events, mentorship, workforce training, support of entrepreneurship and access to minority-owned businesses.

The Urban Future Center concept is unique as it brings tech education and programming and other resources directly to youth and adults in Milwaukee’s high-population, inner-city neighborhoods, serving those most in need in a welcoming, community-based environment.

“This investment in Milwaukee neighborhoods will provide opportunities and access for youth and adults right where they live,” said Jim Buchheim, American Family community and social impact officer. “By identifying and addressing needs and bringing support directly to neighborhoods, Urban Future Centers will help close equity gaps for people of color and foster economic empowerment.”

American Family’s investment will be multi-year, with $100,000 committed to each site for three years. The following four locations have been identified as Urban Future Centers:

Sherman Phoenix (Northside) 
The Sherman Phoenix offers high-quality space for small businesses-of-color offering diverse foods and wellness services. It also includes community spaces to curate art exhibits, STEAM programing, film showings and cultural events.

Journey House (Southside) 
Journey House empowers families on Milwaukee's near Southside to move out of poverty by offering adult education, youth development, workforce readiness and family engagement.

The Milky Way Tech Hub (Citywide)
The Milky Way Tech Hub is comprised of support organizations that serve Black and brown innovators, creatives, scientists and technologists. Their mission is to ensure Black ownership and representation increases through equitable participation in the tech and innovation economy.

Young Enterprising Society (City-wide)
Young Enterprising Society is a project management company focusing on education in entrepreneurship in STEAM disciplines. STEAM programs are customizable and can be implemented during classroom hours, after-school programming or as a summer intensive.

Investment part of larger initiative

This investment in Urban Future Centers is part of Free to Dream, an initiative announced in February by American Family that supports investments and partnerships that close equity gaps and drive social impact in communities.

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About the American Family Insurance group
Based in Madison, Wisconsin, American Family Insurance has been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investment and creative partnerships to address societal challenges. We act on our belief in diversity and inclusion by constantly evolving to meet customer needs and preferences. American Family Insurance group is the nation’s 13th-largest property/casualty insurance group, ranking No. 232 on the Fortune 500 list. The group sells American Family-brand products, primarily through exclusive agency owners in 19 states. The American Family Insurance group also includes CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, The General, Homesite and Main Street America Insurance. Across these companies the group has more than 13,500 employees nationwide.