A Welcome Message from Our Founder

Jerel Ballard, Founder & Executive Director

Welcome to Milwaukee's Finest Scholarship Foundation!

When I founded Milwaukee's Finest in 2016, I was only 21 years old and a Senior in college. I believe that a student's financial circumstances should never determine the limits of their potential. What began as a grassroots effort to help deserving young people pursue higher education has grown into something far greater.

As we enter into our 11th year, Milwaukee's Finest continues to open doors, create opportunities, and invest in the next generation of leaders. Since our founding, we have supported more than 100 students through scholarships made possible by the generosity of individuals, businesses, and community partners who believe, as we do, that investing in education is an investment in our collective future.

In 2026, we reached an exciting milestone, receiving a record-breaking 552 scholarship applications and selecting 10 more exceptional scholars. Each application represented a young person with dreams, determination, and the potential to make a meaningful difference in the world.

And while we are proud of the scholarships we award, our work has never been just about writing checks. It's about recognizing potential, removing barriers, and reminding young people that their ambitions are worthy of investment.

Today, as a flagship program of Wisconsin's Finest Scholarship Initiative 501(c)(3), Milwaukee's Finest remains deeply rooted in the community where our journey began, while contributing to a broader vision of expanding educational opportunities for students throughout Wisconsin.

As we look toward the future, our commitment is stronger than ever. We are focused not only on growing our scholarship programs but also on building meaningful partnerships, expanding mentorship opportunities, and creating pathways that help young people succeed beyond the classroom.

Whether you are a student pursuing your dreams, a parent encouraging your child's ambitions, a past scholarship recipient, or a supporter considering an investment in our mission, I am grateful that you are here. The future of our communities depends on the opportunities we create for the next generation. Together, we can ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of extraordinary potential.

Thank you for believing in our scholars, supporting our mission, and helping us change futures, one student at a time.

With gratitude,