Youth programs

We believe that “it takes a village to raise a child”. This familiar African proverb is at the heart of our commitment to continuously seek the well-rounded development of the youth in our community. Our youth programs provide a nurturing space for underrepresented youth in Madison and Dane County to value themselves, and their identities, and see themselves as positive change catalysts and promoters. Our youth programs aim to support youth navigating cultural transitions and bridging the achievement gap through educational field trips and afterschool programs. We have 3 objectives: to enhance understanding of cultural heritage and history; to build a positive peer community; and, to provide opportunities for underserved youth in our community.

For more information call: (608) 294-0066 or Email: youthprograms@africancentermadison.org | info@africancentermadison.org

Past programs and field trips

2024 African Youth Legislative Day

Black History Month Celebration

We visited the Wisconsin State Capitol as part of celebrations of Black History Month. Students from East High School’s Africa Club and Black Student Union (BSU) interacted with States Representatives Samba Baldeh, Shiela Stubbs and Francesca Hong. All three representatives shared their story and inspired the students to get involved in decision-making and to aspire to be the next generation of change catalysts and leaders Wisconsin needs.

Sponsors & Partners

  • Office of the State Representative Samba Baldeh
  • We are Many – United Against Hate Movement
  • Goodman Community Center
  • UW South Madison Partnership
African Youth Legislative Day with East High School, Rep. Samba, Rep. Hong and Rep. Stubbs
Photos from African Youth Legislative Day

Virtual information session

For high school students, parents, teachers, counselors, and guardians.

It was a FREE information session about:

  • UW Carbone Cancer Center High School Cancer Research Internship which places interns in a mentor lab to participate in cutting-edge cancer research. Visit website
  • Six-week clinical research experience at the Department of Surgery at the University of Wisconsin under the mentorship of enthusiastic faculty and medical students. Visit website
  • CEOs of Tomorrow’s These Teens Mean Busine$$ Incubator that builds the entrepreneurial skills and critical thinking of high school students. Visit website
  • African Association of Madison scholarship application. Click here to apply or visit website
  • Ladidi Garba Scholarship for high school students in involved in arts, music, acting, etc. Click here to apply or visit website.

For questions or details about these opportunities, please call us at (608) 957-5623 or email at youthprograms@africancentermadison.org.

African Center information session for youth

2023 african center stem day

In summer of 2023, we organized a field trip for young members of our community, ages 6-12, to explore the science of space travel and the wonders of our universe. They visited the UW Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC), UW Space Place, and the Wisconsin Science Museum.

Funded with donations from individual supporters like you.

Photos from African Center Stem Day Field Trip

2022 Field Trip to milwaukee's ABHM

In August of 2022, we organized a tour of America’s Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The trip was the fulcrum of our Community Reflection Project aimed to provide cultural and historical education to children in the African immigrant community of Madison and Dane County. The students who joined us for this cultural trip learned more about the history and memorials of the Black Holocaust and also understood how Black American culture is inherently linked to African heritage. As we toured the museum, chaperones answered lingering questions on ancestry, identity, and a sense of belonging. Participants also visited the Milwaukee County Zoo and enjoyed a wonderful ride on the skyline.

Funded through the 2022 United Way Micro Investment Grant

Photos from Field Trip in Milwaukee, WI

2019 - 2021

Transitional Cultural Literacy Program (TCLP)

This program was designed in the framework of cultural grounding and social navigation, the children who participated in the program increased their knowledge and self-confidence and also got the opportunity to engage more with other students and diverse cultures. Students were offered free hot lunches with fruits and water, which added to their excitement about the program.

Recognition of past sponsors of TCLP:
  • City of Madison
  • Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD)
  • Goodman Community Center

Individual Supporters:

  • Marcy Peters-Felice
  • Friends of the late Professor Tejumola Olaniyan
Scroll to Top