Around 1,200 Milwaukee ninth graders got a firsthand look at college life last week as they visited the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, part of the M3 initiative aimed at helping students envision their future and take concrete steps toward higher education. The half-day visits took place Dec. 1-4.
M3 is a partnership between Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee Area Technical College and UWM with the goal of connecting Milwaukee’s youth to clear pathways for higher education. This partnership builds bridges that support and empower students at every step along their journey, and the goal of the campus visits is to give students an immersive campus experience that demystifies higher education and empowers students to take the next steps.
Students began their day with a tour of Sandburg Hall, exploring the student lounge and dining hall, followed by a stop at the Klotsche Center to see workout facilities and learn about athletics, campus recreation and intramural sports. Then they toured the Golda Meir Library and Student Union.
College students share experiences
A highlight of the day was a student panel, where current UWM students shared personal experiences about academic opportunities, transitioning to higher education and finding a sense of belonging.
Later, students engaged with representatives from UWM’s schools and colleges, Honors Program, Undergraduate Research, Centers for Advocacy and Student Experience (CASE) Offices, Multicultural Centers and Student Involvement. This exhibition-style event concluded with a vision board activity, encouraging students to imagine where they see themselves in four years.
For many students, the experience was eye-opening. Aaliyah Cooper Durant, a ninth grader at Golda Meir School, said this was her first university tour.
“I was just here like a Friday ago for Girls Who Code, but this was my first official tour,” she said. “It’s very informative. We’re actually seeing the buildings and talking to current students and getting our questions answered.”
Cooper Durant plans to attend UWM after high school and is interested in creative writing and web development.
Insider tips
Mikayla Williams, a UWM third-year student majoring in criminal justice and criminology, led tours while walking backward most of the time. She gave students a glimpse into campus life, from workout equipment and extracurricular activities to personal stories about choosing UWM and managing her schedule.
Williams also shared a few insider tips, like the time she got free Chick-fil-A nuggets for being an early attendee at a UWM men’s basketball game. She also explained how UWM supports students as they transition into the workforce through field placement programs and UWM’s Center for Student Experience and Talent.
John Hickethier, a school counselor at Golda Meir who chaperoned a group, emphasized the value of the experience.
“The exposure is amazing. I don’t think you can get a better experience or research other than physically being on campus,” Hickethier said. “They’re hearing about college life from current students, and I think it’s invaluable. Just to have the exposure and learn what college provides opens pathways students might not otherwise pursue.”
Since 2017, 11,000 MPS freshmen and sophomores have toured UWM and MATC campuses as part of the M3 initiative.
