Almost three years ago, Jenifer and Joe Tate (an investor in OnMilwaukee.com) invested in a company called Rapport Leadership International.

Rapport, a company devoted to leadership development programs, was an inspiration to Tate and countless others. "I witnessed first-hand the stunning improvements employees can make at their companies after taking our classes and working with more passion, enthusiasm, focus and purpose," he said.

Now, the local investor and a collaborative group of leaders hope to bring Rapport's leadership training for 14-18-year-olds to Milwaukee. "It is this area that connects with me personally, with my desire to improve the lives of youth in Milwaukee and to improve the economic future of our city," said Tate.

To this end, last week the Tates held two learning sessions at their Milwaukee home. The purpose was to introduce the community and local leaders to a school in Calgary that improved outcomes for youth by adding leadership training for students and educators. Deanna Werklund, director of the Werklund Foundation and the Werklund Group in Calgary, presented along with Bridgit Barainca, executive director of educational programs for Rapport.

The Werklund Foundation dubbed its Canadian pilot program E3a to create enthused, engaged and empowered students, teachers and administrators. In addition to financing the classes, the foundation had the University of Calgary conduct an independent study of the impact of the training.

The results were remarkable, with students who participated in the Teen Leadership Breakthrough program from Rapport having improved performance in the areas of emotional intelligence and self-concept. The study showed that when coupled with traditional education, leadership training for teens works and helps kids excel.

Next year four or five schools in Canada will send more than 850 teens and educators through Teen Leadership Breakthrough.

Now, the Tates and others want to send Milwaukee-area kids through this innovative leadership program. A report by the Werklund Foundation states, "Over the past decade educators have increasingly acknowledged that academic skill development is best fostered in optimal learning environments that encourage the development of youths' social skills." Rapport believes that an emphasis on self-concept, resiliency and emotional intelligence is needed.

Already, Rapport Teen Leadership Breakthrough has worked at Pearls for Teen Girls in Milwaukee and St. Joan Antida, an all-girls high school in Milwaukee. The Tates hope to send even more kids through this program and are actively seeking donations and educational relationships to help ensure a brighter future for Milwaukee area kids.