Ethan Sanchez is ready to jump right into the fire at Milwaukee Area Technical College.
The West Allis Central High School senior will enroll in MATC’s Fire Protection Technician program in the fall, and he expects to be battling blazes in two years.
“I saw a presentation about fire science at our school, and I looked up what it would take to do it,” Sanchez said. “It sounds challenging, but I think it’s a great opportunity.”
Sanchez was one of 200 area high school students who gathered at the college’s Downtown Milwaukee Campus on Thursday, May 15, to sign letters of intent to attend MATC and celebrate the start of their collegiate journey.
Students signed their letters on the Cooley Auditorium stage, enjoyed music from DJ Travis, heard from representatives from the college, received some MATC swag and enjoyed refreshments.
See photos from the event
“This is all about a new chapter in your life,” said Kyle Hayden, an advisor in the college’s Business and Management Academic and Career Pathway. “We’re talking about the starting line, starting something new, something fresh.”
Hayden, an MATC alumnus, urged the seniors to embrace their journey at the college. “You chose this place,” he said. “Take advantage of your opportunity. At MATC, you will be seen, supported and challenged.”
MATC President Dr. Anthony Cruz encouraged the seniors to learn, explore and discover at the college. “Not sure what you want to do right now? It’s OK to be a little uncertain,” he said. “Try to find new friends, instructors you like and other people who inspire you.
“We will support you here,” Dr. Cruz added. “You also need to believe in yourself. You do that and you can do great things. I can’t wait to see what you’re able to accomplish in the coming years.”
Sanchez took the stage with other seniors entering programs in the college’s Community and Human Services Academic and Career Pathway. As he signed his letter, Sanchez’s mother, Tammy Sanchez, sat in the audience and filmed the moment with her phone.
“This is a great opportunity for him,” said Tammy Sanchez, who earned a Business Management associate degree from MATC. “He will be learning the things he needs to know to work right away. That means he can start his career even earlier.”
The May 15 event was the college’s third Senior Signing Day. About 100 students attended the first event in 2023 and about 200 were at last year’s festivities.
The college started the event to recognize and celebrate high school seniors who chose to attend MATC in a unique and special way, said Marwill Santiago, the college’s director of student recruitment.
“We want to make this a fun activity that relieves the stress students have been under throughout their decision-making process,” Santiago said. “It provides recognition of the accomplishments, which builds self-confidence. We hope it inspires younger kids who will witness the occasion to set high expectations for their own futures.”
About MATC: 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.
