In 2022, Ellen and Joe Checota’s $5 million matching challenge helped hundreds of MATC students graduate and enter the workforce. Now the Checotas have taken their support to the next level.
Ellen and Joe Checota are big fans of Milwaukee. And they are even bigger fans of Milwaukee Area Technical College. “Ellen and I have lived in Milwaukee most of our lives, and we raised and educated our children in Milwaukee,” said Joe Checota, a developer of medical facilities. “We have long recognized that MATC has established the gold standard for first-rate trade and technical education in greater Milwaukee.” In 2022, Joe and his wife backed up those words by creating the Ellen and Joe Checota MATC Scholarship Program, a matching challenge that raised $8.5 million to provide comprehensive support to MATC students enrolled in trade and technical programs. Those Checota scholarships, which funded the cost of tuition, books, supplies, meals, transportation and child care, have helped hundreds of MATC students graduate and move into the workforce. In March 2026, the Checotas and MATC announced the Second Ellen and Joe Checota MATC Scholarship Program to help even more students, especially those in manufacturing and construction programs.
“Ellen and I established our two MATC scholarship programs to provide financial support to our fellow Milwaukee citizens who need a leg up to improve their lives and the lives of their families,” Joe Checota said. “We believe the Second Checota MATC Scholarship Program will help change the lives of an additional 2,500 greater Milwaukee residents and their families.” Here’s how the second matching challenge works: For every $500,000 raised by the MATC Foundation, the Checotas and MATC will match that amount, up to $5 million each. This two-for-one match could potentially create a $15 million scholarship fund that would be the largest in MATC history. MATC students enrolled in eligible programs must maintain a C average and earn nine credits each semester to qualify for the continuation of financial support from the Second Checota MATC Scholarship Program. “As we look to the future of MATC, the Second Ellen and Joe Checota MATC Scholarship Program is about honoring a legacy while investing in possibility,” said Dr. Anthony Cruz, MATC’s president. “This scholarship opens doors for students who have the talent and determination to succeed but need financial support to stay on their path. When we sustain opportunities like this, we change lives, strengthen families and build a more vibrant Milwaukee for generations to come.” Here is a closer look at how the Checota scholarship has changed the lives of several MATC graduates.
Ellen and Joe Checota together for a picture.
Practical Nursing
Growing up on Milwaukee’s North Side, Zoe Salem knew all about MATC.
“The college always seemed convenient and affordable,” she said.
Salem graduated from Wauwatosa East High School in 2016. She considered a career in the music industry but shifted gears and became interested in healthcare.
In 2022, she enrolled in the college’s Practical Nursing program. She took a job in the college’s CareerHub, and in the fall of 2023, received the Ellen and Joe Checota MATC Scholarship.
She received her technical diploma in Practical Nursing in 2025 and today works as a nursing assistant at Aurora Health Care in Waukesha.
“At MATC, I found out that I didn’t have to go through college alone,” Salem said. “Because of Checota, I am one of many students who were able to achieve their degree and graduate successfully. I’m proud of myself for pushing through, growing and becoming the nurse I always hoped I would be.
“I’m excited to continue making a difference, keep learning and provide compassionate, patient-centered care,” she said.
Zoe Salem with her nursing equipment.
Welding
Sean Brkich never received a single scholarship in high school.
“Not even a small one, for like $20,” said Brkich, who graduated from West Allis Central High School in 2017.
He finally got one at MATC, and it made all the difference in his life. He graduated with a CNC Setup and Operations certificate. After a few years, he returned to MATC and enrolled in the Welding program.
“I wanted to broaden my range of education. I love going to school and love learning new things,” he said.
After Brkich enrolled in MATC’s Welding program in the fall of 2024, he applied for and received the Ellen and Joe Checota MATC Scholarship.
“I can’t tell you how helpful the Checota scholarship was,” Brkich said. “All the time I have spent at MATC has brought me to this great place and the Checota scholarship absolutely helped me get there.”
The Checota MATC Scholarship Program made college easier. “With the food plan I could eat before or after class. The support I received was just tremendous. When I needed a new welding shirt, I got one,” he said. “I got very prompt responses for anything I needed or questions I had.”
Brkich graduated in 2025 and soon found a job at a machine shop in Menomonee Falls.
“They contacted me and made me an offer I really couldn’t refuse,” he said. “I work the CNC machines and do some welding. Places like it when you are versatile and can do a lot of things. It has worked out great.”
With a technical diploma, in-demand skills and a full-time job, Brkich is looking at a bright future.
“A few years ago, I didn’t feel like I was in a very good spot,” he said. “Today, I have skills that I can take anywhere in the world and find a job. I recommend MATC to anyone who will listen. It’s an education you can’t get anywhere else.”
Sean Brkich holding his welding equipment.
Electrical Power Distribution
When Larelle Jackson graduated from high school in May 2026, the 18-year-old had a technical diploma from MATC and a full-time job as a line mechanic at We Energies’ Metro North facility.
That job pays $30 to $54 per hour, depending on experience, according to Lightcast Data.
“I will say that I’m really stoked to start working,” Jackson said with a smile. “I think I’m in a great spot. I feel extremely accomplished.”
And he should, said Dr. Cruz, who noted that Jackson is “entering the middle class before many of his peers are finishing their first year in college. This is a life changer for Larelle and for his family.”
While attending Rufus King International High School in Milwaukee, Jackson participated in We Energies’ youth summer internship program, learning about the city’s electrical infrastructure and working beside We Energies line mechanics.
Participating in the program gave Jackson real insight into what linemen do. He enrolled at MATC in the fall of 2025. He also applied for and received the Ellen and Joe Checota MATC Scholarship.
“Any time I needed anything, the Checota people were on it,” Jackson said. “I’m so thankful for how the program helped me.”
Jackson trained in MATC’s Electrical Power Distribution/Line Mechanic program at the college’s Metcalfe Park facility, learning the basics in electrical power distribution, rescue and safety, and general workplace communication.
EPD instructor Eddie Nash said that Jackson showed aptitude and initiative at Metcalfe Park.
He added: “Larelle will be both a successful line mechanic and a valuable asset to his community. I look forward to witnessing his future success.”
Larelle Jackson working with power lines.