They\u2019re proof that the M3 <\/sup>partnership between MPS, MATC and UWM continues to work to fulfill its mission of transforming the future of Milwaukee through education. The Early College program is one the collaboration\u2019s flagship initiatives, allowing participants the chance to earn college credits while still in high school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen I got into the program, it really showed me that it can really impact your grade if you don\u2019t get (your homework) done in time,\u201d Jackson said recently at the UWM student union. Jackson and Zupet were two of 32 then-MPS students who comprised the initial M3<\/sup> Early College class that graduated last May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt made me prepared for that college feeling,\u201d Jackson said. \u201cI learned in the Early College program that college is really different from high school.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n Zupet, who is now a freshman at MATC, considered the program a life-changing course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf I didn\u2019t go to M3<\/sup>, I wouldn\u2019t even be going to college right now,\u201d said Zupet, a criminal justice major.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI never thought that I was smart enough, but getting through the first three Early College courses made me realize that I can do this, that college is a place I want to be and experience,\u201d Zupet said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Building on a solid foundation, M3 <\/sup>expanded programs this academic year. Enrollment doubled to more than 60 students in the Early College program, with participants taking 19 college credits over the course of the school year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/m-cubed\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/427\/2020\/03\/Zupet_750x500-300x200.jpg\")