An early report card and a look ahead

The early returns are promising for M³ (pronounced M-cubed) and its mission to make an impact in Milwaukee through education.

More MPS students will be getting a taste of college life this year by taking classes at MATC and UWM. The percentage of MPS students graduating in four years is on the rise, as is the percentage of MPS seniors completing federal financial aid forms.

These encouraging signs also lay a groundwork for the future as the city’s three largest educational institutions aim higher to create a true public education network in Milwaukee.

With that in mind, leaders and stakeholders from all three institutions gathered over the summer to exchange new ideas. New goals are under consideration that would gauge progress well beyond 2020 and include postsecondary measures as well.

For now, here are some markers about M³ at the start of a new academic year:

Early College pilot program

• Spring 2019: First class of 32 MPS students graduated in May after earning 10 college credits over the semester by taking classes at MATC and UWM to get a taste of college life (see video).
• 2019-20: Enrollment doubled to more than 60 students, with students taking 19 college credits over the course of school year.

Parent Institute

• Background: Provides information on postsecondary options and entrance requirements; supports parents as advocates for their child’s academic success; increases awareness of programs and services at MPS, MATC and UWM.
• 2019-20: Expanding from parents of ninth- and 10^th-grade students into middle school.

Four-year MPS high school completion rate

• 66.7 percent for 2017-18, the last certified figure, up from 59.7 percent in 2015-16.
• 2020 target: 72 percent

FAFSA (federal financial aid form) completion rate by MPS seniors

• 70.1 percent as of July 31, on track to meet or exceed 2018 year-end total of 74.6 percent through Sept. 30, 2018
• 2020 target: 80 percent