The Northwestern Mutual Foundation is donating $1 million to Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy (HFCA), which will boost the organization’s $25 million capital campaign for a new high school.
In July, HFCA officially launched the Commit to the Future capital campaign. The campaign was created to help fund the construction of a new high school building, which could eventually lead to a proposed new feeder middle school. The new high school would be located at 2212-28 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., Milwaukee, and be ready for the 2023-24 school year.
HFCA has already raised $16 million of the needed $20 million in funding for a new high school. The other $5 million will support the renovation of the existing high school building at 4030 N. 29th St. into a new middle school.
“At Northwestern Mutual, we believe education lays the groundwork for a strong community. Every child deserves access to a quality education; however, the reality remains that educational disparities exist,” said Steve Radke, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “Our goal is to sustain our high-quality partner schools and grow their capacity so more students receive the resources they need to succeed.”
Northwestern Mutual is also providing up to $2.5 million in bridge loan funding to allow HFCA to move forward with construction while continuing to raise dollars. The company has invested in two pilot programs and a math tutoring program to support current and future teachers.
“We are incredibly grateful for Northwestern Mutual’s generous donation, ongoing collaboration and its commitment to creating a lasting impact on Milwaukee’s educational ecosystem,” said Judith Parker, principal at HFCA. “This investment will help us improve the quality of life for more students and educators for many years to come.”
Throughout 2022, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation has provided $2.5 million in grants to support nearly 40 Milwaukee-based nonprofits and schools. These grants support the company’s goal of increasing the number of quality seats available at high-performing schools.
Last month, the Northwestern Mutual Fund announced $1.7 million in grants to nearly 30 nonprofit organizations in Milwaukee’s Amani, Metcalfe Park and Muskego Way neighborhoods.
