In an effort to fight the community’s epidemic of childhood academic and personal failure, Manpower’s Headquarters in Milwaukee partnered with local nonprofit agency, Our Next Generation, to launch "The Homework Club." This program strives to help at-risk children who live in poverty-stricken neighborhoods in Milwaukee’s central city prepare for a better future by providing support from caring adults.

The goals of the program include:

• Improve academic performance. 


• Improve emotional and social behavior. 


• Provide role models who exhibit positive work skills and attitudes.

Now in its 6th year, the program has provided homework help for dozens of students from 4th through 8th grades.

The program has tremendous benefits:

• Kids are completing their homework on time.


• They learn that a corporate headquarters isn’t a scary place, but a place where they can feel comfortable, a place that’s filled with nice people.


• Kids are building long term relationships with caring, positive role models.

The Homework Club also benefits Manpower. Research supports the idea that employees who participate in company-sponsored volunteer initiatives are more loyal to the company and provide a higher level of customer service. Research has also shown that participation in company-sponsored volunteerism increases employee retention.

Manpower employees give up one hour of their time each week (4 p.m. to 5 p.m.) in the late afternoon. They return to work energized and motivated by the experience. The program is well-known throughout the Milwaukee community, and Manpower’s image and reputation as a trusted corporate citizen are well recognized.

To learn more about Our Next Generation and the challenges they address, visit their web site at http://ongkids.org/problem.htm.