M³ is making strides

Our shared vision for M³ (pronounced M-cubed) includes building a true public education network connecting MPS, MATC and UWM. The work of our goal teams continues to make this vision a reality. This year, a group of MPS students will graduate with high school diplomas that include college credit from MATC or UWM. As you will read in this edition of Connections, our institutions are looking to grow the number of graduates who participate in this new M3Early College initiative. One student shared the dramatic impact: “This has helped me believe that college is possible for me,” Izzabella Zupet said. “I can make a better future for myself.”

Our efforts are drawing national attention. In March, M³ leaders presented our model to college and K–12 education leaders at a college readiness convening of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and The School Superintendents Association (AASA). Leaders in other communities inquired about visiting Milwaukee to see our work in person.

The work of the Early College initiative includes MPS ninth- and 10th-grade students paying visits to MATC and UWM to connect their academic and career plans to our institutions, and supporting these students in accessing college-level programs of interest to them. The Early College program also helps students become immersed in the collegiate experience, demystifying higher education, especially for first-generation students.

We hope you enjoy these updates and we thank you for your continued partnership in transforming the future of Milwaukee through education.

Respectfully,

Keith P. Posley, Ed.D., Superintendent, MPS

Vicki Martin, Ph.D., President, MATC

Mark A. Mone, Ph.D., Chancellor, UWM