How M³ is tackling “summer melt” through Smart Start

Every year, 10% to 40% of high school seniors who planned to go to college in the fall never enroll, according to Harvard University’s Center for Education Policy Research. Students of color and students who would be the first in their families to attend college are disproportionately affected by this so-called “summer melt.”

M³, the education partnership among Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, is committed to changing this trend through the new Smart Start initiative.

M³ is launching Smart Start thanks to funding from Herb Kohl Philanthropies, Kohler Co., and UW Credit Union through the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. Smart Start will connect MPS high school seniors planning to attend MATC or UWM with coordinated support through the admissions process, summer bridge programming and co-curricular activities during a student’s first semester as a college student.

Learn more about Smart Start by clicking on the YouTube video above to watch the April 28 webinar from M³. We are grateful to WTMJ-TV reporter Tony Atkins for moderating this event. Atkins is a graduate of MPS (Vincent High School) and UWM.

MPS class of 2022 students

If you’re planning to attend MATC or UWM, click here for more information about Smart Start and how to apply for the program.