MPS Success Center’s March graduation celebration.

Success Center Supports Student Social-Emotional Learning

The Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Success Center is a therapeutic program that serves elementary, middle, and high school students. The program is operated through a collaboration between MPS and the Center for Peacemaking’s Peace Works program.

Success Center staff look at vision boards created by students.

Success Center students receive group and individual support from Peace Works instructors and therapeutic partners as they learn strategies to cope with difficult emotions, to achieve personal goals, and to succeed academically.

Success Center students participate in social emotional learning activities such as developing personal goals (left) and art therapy (right).

Students also learn how to be a part of a larger community, how to navigate relationships, and how to repair harm when necessary. Throughout their time at the Success Center, students find their voice and learn to advocate for themselves. Self-esteem and self-confidence for students improve immensely as they reach their goals. They also grow through supporting their peers.

A therapist and Success Center student perform on the cello at the March graduation celebration.

Since the Success Center started three years ago, 83 students from 52 different MPS schools have participated in a cohort. Thus far this school year, two cohorts have graduated. The cohort graduation celebrations — attended by students, their families, and teachers — include presentations of student artwork, musical and oratory performances, a community meal, and conferral of certificates. Family and friends who attend enjoy speaking with the Success Center instructors and therapeutic partners about their students’ progress and accomplishments.