THE Application PERIOD for the Fall 2024 MATC Gap Year IS NOW OPEN
The MATC Gap Year program for Recent High School Graduates
Not sure what to do after high school? Thinking about taking a gap year? That’s okay!
Before you make any big plans, you might want to learn more about yourself and try out a few things first. And you can – during the MATC Gap Year program.
Apply Now >>
Launch your gap year with fun and focus.
Use the entire city to explore jobs with high starting salaries, build your network with civic and business leaders, and get connected to what comes next!
Get paid to find what you enjoy, what you might be good at and what types of careers are out there, with help from mentors, career coaches and other students along the way.
It’s only once a week, with the entire city of Milwaukee as your creative laboratory.
Meet area employers and organizations making the city a better place, form life-long connections with peers who are similar to you, and get inspired – all while being introduced to new career opportunities.
The MATC Gap Year program starts on September 5, 2024 and meets Thursdays through November 14, 2024, followed by a year of career mentorship and special events to fuel your inspiration.
Get Started Today!
Apply Now >>
Program Benefits:
- Complimentary transportation to and from MATC as well as throughout the programming
- Complimentary lunch & snacks at every session
- Participation stipend** of up to $1,200 upon completion of the program
- Exclusive access to kickoff, culminating and alumni parties throughout the year
- Access to employers, career coaches, mentors and alumni network all year long
- Career readiness services
MATC Gap Year program graduates are eligible to apply for the MATC Promise program which provides up to 75 credits of free tuition — after other scholarships and grants are applied. The cost of books, program fees and equipment are not covered by the Promise program.
Program Schedule
*Please note: If accepted, you MUST attend the Kickoff and Registration Session on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in order to participate. If you do not attend, you will not be allowed to continue in the program. Participation is required every week to receive compensation. You are expected to attend all dates. Stipend is taxable income.
- September 5, 2024 – Kickoff & Registration
- September 12, 2024 – Welcome & Overview
- September 19, 2024 – Business & Management
- September 26, 2024 – Manufacturing, Construction and Transportation
- October 3, 2024 – Creative Arts, Design and Media
- October 10, 2024 – Healthcare
- October 17, 2024 – Community and Human Services
- October 24, 2024 – STEM
- October 31, 2024 – Future of Work
- November 7, 2024 – Career Coaching & Plans for Next Steps
- November 14, 2024 – Final Exhibition
Program Eligibility
- In order receive a participation stipend, applicants must be Milwaukee County residents
- Applicants outside of Milwaukee County but within the Milwaukee Area Technical College district are eligible to participate, but will not receive a stipend
- Applicants must have graduated in 2023 or be set to graduate in spring 2024
- Applicants must have a demonstrated financial need as determined by household income not exceeding $75,000
- Applicants cannot be a high school student at the time of the program start, and applicants cannot have attended MATC in the past (with the exception of dual enrollment classes taken during high school).
MATC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution and complies with all requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act. MATC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, the national standard in accrediting colleges and schools for distinction in academics and student services.
Applications are due by midnight on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
Apply Now >>
**If the participant cannot provide employment eligibility verification, the $1,200 stipend will come in the form of scholarship credit if the participant graduates from the Gap Year program and subsequently enrolls at MATC.