Incubators
Testing what mattering can make possible.
Incubators are early-stage concepts that explore how the Mattering for Wisconsin Framework and Mattering Resume could be applied in different settings and with different populations. They create opportunities to test ideas, learn from implementation, and build approaches that may inform future work across Wisconsin.
Justice-Impacted Youth
Tailored, skill-based resumes built with mentors to produce pride and credibility. Justice-impacted youth bond as peers who believe in themselves and their city, and have a voice. Credentials are stacked horizontally to show character and vertically to show workforce skills.
Aeronautics STEM with Free Flight Lessons
An experiential STEM project where students earn free flight lessons through volunteer work, covering flight, aviation, navigation, manufacturing, and design, plus speakers, employer field trips, and networking that build directly into a mattering career resume.
Foster Care and Grit
A foster care provider documents grit through the experiences of youth transitioning into independence, building a taxonomy and vocabulary for grit grounded in real stories and data.
Curiosity to Career
A multi-sector, youth-informed project beginning in pre-K, using curiosity-based learning to build a sense of belonging to the city. Stacked credentials grow over time, deepening toward career readiness on one track and civic life and leadership on the other.
Sports That Matters More
Builds on the "Sports with a Bigger Purpose" work, connecting all forms of sport and coaching to mental wellbeing. Milwaukee Academy of Science is taking an early lead.
Rural and Urban Matter Together
A statewide effort connecting the strong youth-mattering track records of 4-H Clubs and Boys & Girls Clubs. Ozaukee County 4-H is taking the lead alongside Boys & Girls Clubs in western Wisconsin.
Trade Union Pathway
A trade union and program partner are developing a mattering resume strategy using badges, certificates, and credentials from high school into early adulthood, building trade pride and community affinity. Likely centered in the Fox Valley, with room to expand.
Have an idea worth testing?
Starting in 2028, incubator partners will have access to a shared toolkit — [templates and technical guidance for building mattering resumes and credential tracks] — developed from lessons learned across these early projects.
Interested? Reach out at info@matteringforWI.org. Wisconsin-based organizations only, please.
