Honoring Sen. Herb Kohl

A legacy of commitment to education in Milwaukee

December 28, 2023

Senator Herb Kohl was a tireless champion of strengthening Milwaukee’s kindergarten through college pipeline and always recognized the critical role of two-year colleges in building a diverse and skilled workforce for our region.

Through Herb Kohl Philanthropies, he invested nearly $400,000 directly into the MATC Foundation, the college’s philanthropic partner. The senator was an early supporter of the MATC Promise, the state’s first free-tuition Promise program. He also supported MATC Student Emergency Assistance Grant program to help students stay in college as well as MATC Gap Year, which helps high school graduates unsure of their next steps explore possibilities.

The senator additionally gave $1.2 million toward M-Cubed efforts connecting Milwaukee Public Schools, MATC and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to transform this community’s future through stronger connections between K-12 and college.

We are saddened by this tremendous loss for our community and grateful for his steadfast support over the years.

Sen. Herb Kohl (Associated Press image)