Partnerships

At Washington High School of Information Technology, we are grateful for the educational opportunities, unique perspectives, and new experiences made possible by our generous community partners.

We believe that by working collaboratively, we can build a strong support network for Washington students, motivating them to develop into mature, responsible adults capable of bringing about positive change.

Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA)

BDPA is the premier organization focused on nurturing, developing, and diversifying workforce and leadership pipelines for the STEM, information, and digital technology fields. BDPA connects aspiring students and emerging professionals from underrepresented communities to skill-building, scholarship, and professional development opportunities. BDPA Milwaukee members support our NAF Academy of Information Technology through our NAF Advisory Board and as hosts of the annual High School Computer Competition.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee

With safe places to learn and play, positive role models, and educational programming, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee has helped local kids and teens thrive since 1887. Today, they provide after-school enrichment in partnership with the school and Milwaukee Recreation through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center at Washington. Learn more about how BGC supports students in becoming college and career ready through its Grad Plus and Career Development programs.

College Board

The education nonprofit College Board reaches more than seven million students yearly as they navigate the path from high school to college and career. College Board programs include Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Washington educators teach AP courses like computer science, English, and psychology.

Common Ground

Common Ground connects congregations, schools, small businesses, neighborhood groups, and other organizations across Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha as they identify problems facing our community and implement creative solutions. Common Ground partnered with the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation, MPS, and our school to raise funds and rally support for a turf athletic field, 400-meter track, and basketball half-courts at Washington. The outdoor athletics complex opened in 2023 and is popular with our student-athletes and Sherman Park neighbors.

Community Baptist Church of Greater Milwaukee

Located in Sherman Park, Community Baptist Church of Greater Milwaukee sponsors attendance incentives and the annual honor roll breakfast at Washington High.

Direct Supply

The Milwaukee-based healthcare company supports community partners who are doing impactful work by serving seniors, advancing racial and social justice, and supporting health and education. Their investment in youth and STEM-focused education includes scholarship programs, internship pipelines, and health education for local underrepresented youth and community members. Direct Supply Community Involvement supports the NAF Academy of Information Technology at Washington.

Dominican Center

Founded in 1995, the center supports resident-led efforts to create positive social change in Milwaukee’s Amani neighborhood. Dominican Center works with Amani residents and partners in the priority areas of safety, housing and economic development, and education and family well-being. Dominican Center is Washington’s partner organization through the Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership.

Employ Milwaukee

Employ Milwaukee is a local workforce development board serving Milwaukee County. Their vision is to develop workforce solutions that promote regional economic growth and employment opportunity for all job seekers. Employ Milwaukee provides wrap around career development programming to Washington students in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee.

LibraryCorps

A federal agency focused on improving lives, strengthening communities, and fostering civic engagement through service and volunteering, LibraryCorps places mentors in schools, libraries, and youth-serving organizations. The Milwaukee Public Library and AmeriCorps Wisconsin bring the LibraryCorps Program to Washington to help our students develop 21st-century skills and connect with library resources to cultivate a city of lifelong learners.

Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Marcus Hotels & Resorts owns and/or manages a distinctive portfolio of hotels, resorts, and is an approved operator for all major lodging brands. A leader in the hospitality industry since 1962, Marcus Hotels & Resorts creates asset value for hotel owners through its expertise in management, development, and product repositioning. Representatives of Marcus Hotels & Resorts support our NAF Academy of Hospitality & Tourism through our NAF Advisory Board.

Marquette University

Marquette is a Catholic, Jesuit university with more than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Washington students may earn credit toward their high school diploma and college credit when they complete an ethnic studies course through a dual enrollment partnership with Marquette University.

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC)

MATC is a two-year institution that offers more than 170 degree, diploma, and certificate programs. MATC has numerous four-year transfer partners, including pathways through guaranteed admission agreements with four-year colleges and universities. MATC offers dual-enrollment courses to MPS students through Start College Now, transcripted credits, and the M3 College Connections program.

MATC is one of three lead partners of the M3 initiative (M-Cubed). Along with Milwaukee Public Schools and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, this collaboration is dedicated to transforming the future of Milwaukee through education. One facet of M3 is the College Connections Program, which provides dual enrollment courses so MPS students can earn high school and college credit at the same time.

Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership

We are proud to be a member of the Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership (MCSP). Through MCSP, our students, families, teachers, staff, neighbors, and partners come together to form a strategy that best meets the needs of our students.

The MCSP is made up of three key partners with the core values of shared leadership, equity, and cultural relevance:

  • Milwaukee Public Schools
  • Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association
  • United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association

Members of the MTEA are the educators who work directly with the students who attend Milwaukee’s public schools. Collectively they advocate for quality public education in Milwaukee. As advocates for educators, they are advocates for all children. They are here to lead the dialogue, to challenge, to support and work for change — ensuring a better future for members and the students and families they serve.  The MTEA is a lead partner of the Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership.

NAF

The NAF program offers career courses and training, mentorship and internship experiences, and more to prepare students for college and career. Select MPS high schools offer different career academies. Washington has two NAF academies: Academy of Information Technology and Academy of Hospitality and Tourism.

Northwestern Mutual

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Northwestern Mutual offers life insurance, disability insurance, and investment and financial planning services. Technology leaders at Northwestern Mutual serve on our NAF advisory board, and host worksite tours, skill-building workshops, and career Q&As for students enrolled in our NAF Academy of Information Technology.

Sherman Park Community Association

Founded in 1971 to address issues in Sherman Park, the association aims to create an inclusive, vibrant neighborhood celebrating diversity and shared values. Representatives of the Sherman Park Community Association serve on our Community School Leadership Team.

STEM Forward

STEM Forward inspires and educates youth to pursue STEM careers and connects local businesses to new generations of STEM talent. STEM Forward representatives serve on Washington’s NAF Advisory Board.

United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

An independently-governed 501(c)3 nonprofit organization connected to a network of more than 1,400 local United Ways through United Way Worldwide, the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County focuses its work on local solutions for local problems. The United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County is a lead partner of the Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

UW-Madison is an exhilarating campus with almost 48,000 students from all 50 U.S. states and around 6,000 international students from over 130 countries. Washington students may participate in UW-Madison’s PEOPLE pre-college program.

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

UW-Green Bay fearlessly faces challenges, solves problems, embraces diversity and forges access to education for all who seek it. UW-Green Bay is the fastest-growing UW school in Wisconsin. With campuses in Marinette, Manitowoc, Sheboygan and Green Bay, its mission is to teach all who wish to learn. UW-Green Bay partners with Washington through the UW-Green Bay Rising Phoenix program.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM)

UWM provides an affordable, world-class education to 23,000 students from 86 countries. As one of the nation’s top research universities, UWM partners with leading companies in Wisconsin and beyond to advance knowledge, bring new discoveries to market and prepare students for work in a global economy.

UWM is one of three lead partners of the M3 initiative (M-Cubed). Along with Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee Area Technical College, this collaboration is dedicated to transforming the future of Milwaukee through education. One facet of M3 is the College Connections Program, which provides dual enrollment courses so MPS students can earn high school and college credit at the same time. Washington students may also participate in the UWM Trio program.

Wisconsin Restaurant Association

Dedicated to supporting the foodservice industry since its founding in 1933, Wisconsin Restaurant Association membership comprises thousands of foodservice businesses in the state. In addition to restaurateur and foodservice operators — fine dining to corporate chain and catering to hotels and motels — the nonprofit’s supplier-associate members provide goods and services to the restaurant industry. Representatives of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association serve on Washington’s NAF Advisory Board. Hospitality & tourism students have access to the nationwide, association-affiliated ProStart curriculum, which helps them prepare for careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry.