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Oshkosh Programs & Services
SEPO’s work in northeastern Wisconsin is centered on the pillars of sustainability, education, and progress as one.
In Oshkosh, our work focuses on advancing racial equity, advocacy, and leadership in Oshkosh, serving the BBAIR*, community, navigating BBAIR families through complex institutional barriers, and building coalitions with local partners.
BLACK Program (Building Literacy & Academic Confidence with Kids)
This initiative is laser-focused on BBAIR youth in our community who are approaching the end of their high school years without proficient reading skills.
Beyond the literacy skill development, the program also includes exposure to a classroom led by black mentors and holds transformative potential, promising a more sustainable future for BBAIR families.
We are currently enrolling for our 2026-2027 cohorts. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Mushe at 920.312.3818 or mushe@sepoishope.org. You can also reach out through our Contacts page.
Naleli Scholars Program
The Naleli Scholars Program is a culturally rooted after-school leadership and enrichment program that supports BBAIR students in the Oshkosh Area School District through a partnership with the Multi-Cultural Outreach Team.
Through mentorship, academic enrichment, leadership development, community engagement, and meaningful cultural affirmation, Naleli Scholars helps young people strengthen their sense of belonging, build confidence in their identities, and develop the skills needed to succeed in school and beyond. Grounded in the belief that every child deserves to be seen, valued, and connected, the program creates spaces where students learn, lead, serve, and grow together.
SEPO is currently seeking funding to run Naleli Scholars for the 2026-2027 school year, please reach out if you are interested in supporting the program.
Balaeli Leadership Lab
Balaeli Leadership Lab is a culturally grounded leadership and empowerment program that nurtures this generation of community leaders. Rooted in Ubuntu, mentorship, and collective responsibility, the lab helps youth recognize their strengths, deepen their sense of belonging, and build the confidence to speak up for themselves and others. Through reflection, relationship-building, leadership development, and advocacy training, participants explore how their lived experiences can become sources of strength and learn how to turn their ideas, voices, and values into meaningful action for their schools, communities, and future
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Youth Balaeli (Mentorship) Initiatives
Balaeli translates as ‘mentor’ and the program utilizes a mentoring model based on the principles of ubuntu – a paradigm that centers interconnectedness and relationship-building.
Reach out to Mushe at 920.312.3818 or mushe@sepoishope.org for more information on our next series of indabas.
Refugee Outreach
SEPO provides direct assistance to refugee families as they navigate complex institutions and bureaucracies in our community – particularly after their resettlement services come to an end. SEPO meets with business, government, and community leaders to move them forward in their recognition of the lived realities of refugee families in Oshkosh.
If you are need of advocacy services, reach out to Mushe at mushe@sepoishope.org or 920-312-3818.
Advocacy Services
SEPO provides advocacy for BBAIR youth and families in the community as they navigate challenges. We routinely accompany parents to meetings with principals and school administrators, provide social opportunities for BBAIR youth to build peer relationships, and build trust within the community by advocating alongside each other.
If you are in need of an advocate, please reach out to Mushe at mushe@sepoishope.org or 920-312-3818.
REAL Oshkosh
REAL Oshkosh is committed to Racial Equity Advocacy and Leadership in Oshkosh, with an initial focus on our students and our schools.
REAL Oshkosh is coalition of community of advocates and leaders pushing for substantive changes in Oshkosh to increase racial equity.
REAL Oshkosh grew out of dialogue among members of the Oshkosh Parents of Black/Brown Students and seeks to amplify these parents’ calls for action in Oshkosh. For more information, reach out at realoshkosh@gmail.com
In May 2023, REAL Oshkosh released a substantive report on the persistent racial discipline disparities throughout the Oshkosh Area School District. Check out the report below:
REAL Oshkosh is fully supported by SEPO.
*BBAIR = Black | Brown | African | Immigrant | Refugee
