EXPERIENCE TOMORROW
Learn. Build. Lead. Play.
What's all the hype?
The MA’RUF Center for Youth Innovation is an 8,000 square foot stand alone development center located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Milwaukee’s northwest side. Our Center is equipped with classrooms, a science lab, tech lab, library, counseling center, gaming zone and gym. The facility is adjacent to a park and within two blocks from the Milwaukee School of Excellence.
The MA’RUF Center provides a safe, innovative environment leveraging emerging technology such as virtual reality to provide fun, experiential learning opportunities for area youth.
WHO WE ARE
MA'RUF
MA’RUF is a non-profit organization based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin dedicated to improving the quality of life among Milwaukee’s most disenfranchised and marginalized communities. Established in 2008 by a multi-disciplinary team of young professionals, MA’RUF has expanded nationally, inspiring hundreds of volunteers and community leaders to partake in its evidence-based programs—from fighting hunger and homelessness to building families by developing strong, successful role models in the most vulnerable communities.

OUR STRATEGY
Block by block...family by family
OUR VISION
Many families lack the means to attain a college education, placing their children at a higher risk of continuing the cycle. Ma’ruf yearns to prepare young students in Milwaukee to be competitive in our changing economic landscape. Our program aims to create tangible visions through experiential learning, develop career pathways and coach youth through their finish line.
Our vision is to be the most sought-after community transformation model regionally through empowering youth and their families.
OUR APPROACH
We believe that knowledge is power—but for our youth, knowledge that can be seen and touched is even more powerful. MA’RUF is seeking to transform the way we deliver knowledge to youth by creating tangible, practical pathways to reach their dreams. Our three-prong strategy was designed to build cohorts of youth role models:
1.Vision: Physically show career pathways. Establish life milestones including career goals. Craft a stepped action plan.
2.Experience: Provide experiential learning opportunities including job shadowing.
3.Coaching: Pair youth with young professional in desired field to serve as mentor and coach through action plan.
SERVICES
AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING
MENTORING
VILLAGE INITIATIVE
CODING CLASSES
CHESS
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING
YOUTH AND FAMILY COUNSELING

“My name is George and I’m a 15 year old sophomore at Bay View High School. I didn’t have a father in my life growing up. It was hard without having him around for my birthdays and Christmas. My biggest challenge right now is focusing on school and getting good grades. My plan is to go to school for computer science and go into videography. I wish there were more programs like MA’RUFs in the city. It feels good because when I’m having a hard time with issues in life I can just come here and get advice and help."