STEM to Stern Program

Connecting our Youth

The Milwaukee Rowing Club works to remove barriers to participation in youth rowing. Our goal is to provide rowing opportunities to all students who are interested in becoming a part of our programs. The main barriers to rowing include swimming instruction and transportation in addition to club fees and training gear. Through generous donations the club is able to offer need-based scholarships for our youth program covering registration and regatta fees. The club has also tackled swimming instruction and transportation in order to provide opportunities for those who would not otherwise be able to participate. Through our relationship with MSOE, we have access to vans which transports the students from school to our programs and home at the end of the day. Additionally, the students receive STEM instruction at MSOE on Tuesdays, and we have been able to secure a time slot at the YMCA for the students to have swimming lessons before attending practice on Thursdays. A typical day for these students involves being picked up from school, taken to STEM instruction (Tues) or the YMCA for swimming (Thurs), then to rowing practice, and finally back home again. 

Through the sport Milwaukee's youth gains:

• leadership skills, communication, and teamwork

• skills to support a fit and healthy lifestyle

• close connections to peers through fitness and teamwork

• a connection with their mentors/coaches who are focused on the student's universal success

• a connection and appreciation for their city with access to its natural resources

• an opportunity to travel and gain an understanding of other areas both urban and rural

This outreach effort began in the Fall of 2016 and has blossomed due to expanding interest. These students row with our existing youth programs/teams. Our middle school and our high school programs practice year round, giving opportunities both on the water and indoors through the winter months. Our program is pleased to be able to offer rowing to students from throughout the Milwaukee area, and will continue to grow this program in the coming years. 

Interested in participating?

If you are interested in participating in our program and you are a student qualifying for free or reduced priced lunch, please contact our STEM to Stern Coordinator, Dan Graham (dangraham@mkejuniors.org), for more information and details on how you can become involved. You can also begin your process by applying for a need-based scholarship by clicking the button below.

Support Our Effort

If you are interested in donating to our STEM to Stern program click the button below to donate. We appreciate any amount as it provides positive opportunities for Milwaukee's youth.