American Family Insurance is investing $1.2 million into four existing community spaces in Milwaukee

American Family Insurance is investing $1.2 million into four existing community spaces in Milwaukee as part of its efforts to support the city and close equity gaps. 

American Family announced the concept it calls Urban Future Centers in a news release Monday. The company has identified four sites for Urban Future Centers: Sherman Phoenix, Journey House, the Milky Way Tech Hub and Young Enterprising Society. 

The idea behind Urban Future Centers is to bring technology education and other resources to people in Milwaukee's high-population, inner-city neighborhoods. The locations provide education programming in STEAM disciplines, offer cultural events, mentorship, training and entrepreneurship support. 

“This investment in Milwaukee neighborhoods will provide opportunities and access for youth and adults right where they live,” said Jim Buchheim, American Family community and social impact officer, in the news release. “By identifying and addressing needs and bringing support directly to neighborhoods, Urban Future Centers will help close equity gaps for people of color and foster economic empowerment.”

American Family has committed to a multiyear investment at the Sherman Phoenix, Journey House, the Milky Way Tech Hub and Young Enterprising Society. Each site will receive $100,000 for three years, according to the release. 

The Urban Future Centers are part of American Family's Free to Dream equity initiative that it launched in February. The Madison-based insurance company committed $105 million to the initiative focused on economic empowerment, education and health equity, climate resilience, criminal justice reform and workforce diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Sarah Hauer can be reached at shauer@journalsentinel.com or on Instagram @HauerSarah and Twitter @SarahHauer. Subscribe to her weekly newsletter Be MKE at jsonline.com/bemke.