As leaders, we remain committed to this impactful partnership and the shared infrastructure we have built to advance it.
The M³ (pronounced M-cubed) collaboration between Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee Public Schools and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee continues to yield results, transforming education in the city, according to the recently released 2024 M³ Impact Report.
Highlights from the report show that the collective impact of M³ has been significant:
- 700 MPS 12th grade students earned 8,000 MATC and UWM credits through M³ College Connections, saving almost $2.6 million in tuition.
- During the first year of M³ Milwaukee Direct Admit, 900 MPS 11th grade students took advantage of the program’s streamlined admissions process to UWM and MATC.
- More than 3,100 faculty and staff from the three institutions have met to improve students’ learning transition from middle and high school to higher education.
- 5,000 MPS students have explored careers at M³ work-based learning job fairs.
- 10,000 MPS ninth and 10th grade students toured UWM and MATC campuses as part of M³ academic and career planning efforts.
- MPS seniors’ participation in Smart Start sessions nearly doubled from the class of 2022 to the class of 2023, going from 338 to 650, with students earning more than $100,000 in scholarships. Smart Start is an orientation program that helps MPS students navigate their first semester at MATC and UWM.
- As of August 2024, 59% of MPS’ class of 2024 completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — surpassing both the national rate of 50% and Wisconsin’s rate of 44% — unlocking greater access to college.
At the same time, the report noted that there was growth in key indicators of the health of students’ educational journey from middle school to higher education. Additionally, MPS graduates who go on to MATC and UWM are continuing beyond their first year of higher education and graduating on time.
After nearly 10 years, the M3 partnership’s executive leadership is transitioning with Anthony Cruz, Ed.D., as the new president of MATC and Eduardo Galván as the interim superintendent of MPS. Also, a new chancellor is expected at UWM in 2025 to replace Mark Mone, Ph.D., who is returning to teaching.
“As leaders, we remain committed to this impactful partnership and the shared infrastructure we have built to advance it,” said Dr. Cruz, who started at MATC in July. “We provide this year’s impact report to you with full confidence that by this time next year, you will be reading about the continued growth of our shared work.”
About M³ (M-cubed): Founded in the spring of 2015, M³ seeks to transform the future of Milwaukee through education. Through collaboration, coordination and partnership, MPS, MATC and UWM will increase the retention, graduation and career success of our students and provide a prepared workforce and citizenry for the Wisconsin economy. M³ will also provide the education and resources to help drive an entrepreneurial mindset for all students to increase choices and opportunities for growth.
About MATC: As Wisconsin’s largest technical college and one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. More than 30,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers more than 180 academic programs — many that prepare students for jobs immediately upon completion and others that provide transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 40 four-year colleges and universities. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.