2019-2020
ULC ANNUAL REPORT
Executive Director’s Address
Dear Friends,
We made history!
On the horizon, is the celebration of the Milwaukee Teacher Education Center and 25 years of impact in urban communities. Please plan now to join us as we celebrate all year, launch new programs and become a part of the opportunities to engage with the MTEC organization. We look forward to the innovation and new partnerships formed in the year ahead. The 2019 – 2020 fiscal year was one none of us could have expected. When we entered our office and school building in the fall, we never would have imagined ending the school year learning remotely or working from home. The pivot from in-person learning to remote learning was rapid and our school community worked diligently to distribute technology to staff and students alike.
Professional learning for staff on how to engage with our young and adult learners, remote learning plans created to center relationships around family support and recommitting to organizational success were the foundation for the year’s approach. At the Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy, we took this as an opportunity to dig into our roots as an innovative family-centered learning institution. For our teacher certification participants, we were determined to continue delivering high-quality support and education, in partnership with Mt.Mary University, despite the unprecedented circumstances.
The response from our teachers, administrators, and staff was swift and strong. In spite of an unprecedented year, a few of our accomplishments include:
- 50 hotspot devices, with wireless internet service to any MESA student or staff in need
- 200 additional chrome books purchased to ensure all of our students had individual access
- 9,975 mentorship hours of support for the next generation of teachers
- 46 teacher certification graduates, ready to continue and lead in urban classrooms
We all experienced changes in our lifestyle as the COVID-19 pandemic tightened its grips on the country. Our family and work lives were altered dramatically and we had to quickly find ways to adapt to a changing world and we did!
Throughout this report, you will find organizational stories that we hope convey the need for your support and the impact your generosity has had on their lives. You will also discover donors who inspire others by giving back and the power of philanthropy.
Sincerely,
Laci Coppins Robbins, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Photo of Executive Director by Amanda Evans

Executive Director’s Address
Dear Friends,
We made history!
On the horizon, is the celebration of the Milwaukee Teacher Education Center and 25 years of impact in urban communities. Please plan now to join us as we celebrate all year, launch new programs and become a part of the opportunities to engage with the MTEC organization. We look forward to the innovation and new partnerships formed in the year ahead. The 2019 – 2020 fiscal year was one none of us could have expected. When we entered our office and school building in the fall, we never would have imagined ending the school year learning remotely or working from home. The pivot from in-person learning to remote learning was rapid and our school community worked diligently to distribute technology to staff and students alike.
Professional learning for staff on how to engage with our young and adult learners, remote learning plans created to center relationships around family support and recommitting to organizational success were the foundation for the year’s approach. At the Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy, we took this as an opportunity to dig into our roots as an innovative family-centered learning institution. For our teacher certification participants, we were determined to continue delivering high-quality support and education, in partnership with Mt.Mary University, despite the unprecedented circumstances.
The response from our teachers, administrators, and staff was swift and strong. In spite of an unprecedented year, a few of our accomplishments include:
- 50 hotspot devices, with wireless internet service to any MESA student or staff in need
- 200 additional chrome books purchased to ensure all of our students had individual access
- 9,975 mentorship hours of support for the next generation of teachers
- 46 teacher certification graduates, ready to continue and lead in urban classrooms
We all experienced changes in our lifestyle as the COVID-19 pandemic tightened its grips on the country. Our family and work lives were altered dramatically and we had to quickly find ways to adapt to a changing world and we did!
Throughout this report, you will find organizational stories that we hope convey the need for your support and the impact your generosity has had on their lives. You will also discover donors who inspire others by giving back and the power of philanthropy.
Sincerely,
Laci Coppins Robbins, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Photo of Executive Director by Amanda Evans
OUR MISSION
We invest in urban communities by expanding access to academic, personal, and professional
growth opportunities.
OUR VISION
To serve as a key gateway to open opportunities for urban communities
My ULC Story
Omar Choudhury
“I would definitely recommend ULC. It has been a great asset for me as far as increasing my knowledge of education and preparing me for teaching in class.
The ULC program made it easy for me to transition from my prior career into education by being understanding. Having instructors and mentors who were able to work with me and help me throughout the process allowed me to develop my skill and allowed me to succeed.“
MESA Makes It Through
Our charter school, Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy, worked hard to ensure our scholars had uninterrupted access to learning during a difficult year. As we shifted into virtual learning, we met the diverse needs of our scholars and their families by posting community resources on our website, providing every scholar with a Chromebook, and distributing wi-fi hotspot devices for MESA families without access to the internet. We kept our students safe when in person by providing temperature checks, Health Screening assessments, hand-washing/sanitizing stations, and requiring masks and social distancing.

Our Impact
2019-2020 Numbers
TOTAL PROGRAM Graduates
Workshop Attendees
Winter Symposium Attendees in 2020
Combined Mentor & Assessors Hours of Support Provided
Mentor & Assessors Professional Development Hours

18
Total districts, schools & organizations supported by MTEC
Historical Impact
Total # of Participants in the past 5 years
Total # of Cohorts in the past 5 years
Average Mentor & Assessors Years Experience
Finances
$712,891
Net Assets
$4,306,358
Expenses
$4,666,707
Total Revenue
Friends of ULC
Alan J Skripsky
Amanda Albert
City Forward Collective
David Smith
David Gavigan
Ecolab
Educators Credit Union (C)
EL Education
Eric Andersen
Erica Nicole Harris
Exicure
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Jill Miller & John Peterburs
Julianna Ebert & Frank Daily
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Maria J Medina
MaskUp MKE
MESA Families
ULC Staff
Northwestern Mutual
Odvant Creative
Pastor W. Aaron Robbins & Dr. Laci Coppins Robbins
PAVE + STCM (Known as City Forward Collective )
Robert W. Baird & Co.
Spearity
State of Wisconsin
United Way Milwaukee
Wispark LLC
Yura Ksenidi
As ULC looks back at our accomplishments of 2019-2020, we realize we could not have done this without you.The community we serve remains our top priority and with your support and our many partnerships, we can provide an unparalleled experience. In times of uncertainty and confusion, when health and wellbeing become the gage of our daily lives, you continue to make an effort to give back and for that we thank you.
Laci Coppins Robbins, Ed.D.
Executive Director
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