We work to build relationships with area schools, community leaders, parents and social organizations interested in empowering teenagers to become local leaders with a global perspective. Ideal candidates for membership will demonstrate a desire to be agents that possess the resilience necessary to step outside of their comfort zones and stand out among their peers. Our program is comprised of two
3-month semesters. Students meet on a weekly basis for seminars on empowerment, self-identity and leadership. At the conclusion of the 1st semester, students will plan and implement a community improvement project of their choosing & design. The second semester curriculum will continue to build on the fundamental skills garnered in the first, but will also begin to incorporate elements of international awareness, cultural sensitivity,development studies, and language exposure. These resources will be put into practice during the capstone travel experience at the conclusion of the program, which will bring students to a partner organization to live and work along side people from across the globe. While similar organizations offering leadership development and international travel are sure to be cost prohibitive to members of our target population, Arcos students will incur no financial cost of their own. They will be provided not only with expenses associated with their Milwaukee improvement project and international travel experience, but will also be furnished a modest weekly stipend in recognition for their time commitment. As graduates of our program go on to college, volunteer opportunities and future professional endeavors, they will maintain a commitment to the program in a mentor role, creating a sustainable network of support that is continually expanding and increasing in momentum.
