Learning was not idle for some kids this summer - all thanks to local groups who took classrooms to the streets.
One program is called "Stemfest in the Streets." It's an innovative way to bring science, technology, engineering and math to kids living in the city.
When TODAY'S TMJ4 stopped by a session, they saw students getting a lesson in physics. Students were having fun with a number of physics games. Winners got a free book.
The event also promoted literacy. Hattie Daniels, President of A-LEGO, African American Ladies Empowered to Grow opportunities says A-LEGO hopes to dole out 70,000 books to students by October.
Daniels, a former Education Commissioner, notes "I remember when I was a little girl I would just love to go to the library and sit and read, I would hate when I had to leave. That's what I want for the kids of Milwaukee, I want them to love it like that!"
A-LEGO member Karen Wiesler Peterson knows reading has lifelong benefits. She explains, "It's extremely important to invest in our children. They'll be tomorrow's workers, leaders, and they will be taking care of us when we got old."
The outdoor learning lab was made possible by St Mark AME, Betty Brinn Children's Museum, and Sam's Hope Literacy Foundation. Such cooperation lets students in Milwaukee open up new chapters of success.
Wiesler says, "Our expectation is that our kids will not fail."
Daniels adds, "If a kid can read, they can do anything."
