The Wisconsin Initiative for Neighborhood and Schools -- or WINS for Children -- is working in one Milwaukee neighborhood to improve educational outcomes.
The goal is to build a "culture of collaboration" in Lindsey Heights, according to program site director LaRhonda Bennett.
"It's important to instill in kids at a very early age that it's okay to be smart," she said.
The non-profit assists students and educators in Lindsey Heights, promoting healthy development and academic achievement.
Over the weekend, it hosted its annual "Academic Olympics," which focused on math and language. Events like those are important to encourage enthusiasm for education, Bennet said.
"A lot of the different opportunities that happen for kids academically, happen at the higher grade levels," she said.
WINS works in seven schools in Lindsey Heights, both public and private, with year-round programming. WINS for Children is a Zilber Family Foundation Initiative.
Click the podcast player above to hear a sit-down interview with Bennett.
Photos courtesy of winsforchildrenwi.org.