This spring, students in classrooms across Milwaukee got on their Soapbox and spoke up about an issue that matters to them. The program culminated in the virtual citywide Mainstage event on April 21, where civic and community leaders provided live feedback to the students who were chosen to advance. Attendees heard directly from youth about how these issues are impacting their lives and the lives of their families, as well as their vision for the future.
We encourage you to watch and engage with these powerful videos, and share your support in the comments.
Watch student speeches here | Watch the Mainstage event recording here
Congratulations to all of the courageous youth speakers! And a big THANK YOU to teachers for all of the hard work and preparation that went into engaging your students in Project Soapbox this year. We appreciate everything you do to support your students and lift up their voices.
We acknowledge the generosity of Mikva Challenge donors. Thanks to the investment of the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Herb Kohl Philanthropies, and the Zilber Family Foundation, we are able to uplift the visions, voices and leadership of young people – reaching hundreds of youth across Milwaukee. Our transformational impact is only possible through this support.
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Project Soapbox is a public speaking opportunity that calls on young people to develop and deliver an original speech on an issue that matters to them. Students’ speeches answer the question: “What is the biggest issue facing your community, and what should be done about it?”