MKE Scholars

Our Mission

The MKE Scholars program is a scholarship program that is designed exclusively for first year, incoming students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. It is our goal to provide our students in the MKE Scholars program with a network of care and support that encourages their persistence towards obtaining their college degree at UW-Milwaukee.

We work with a number of pre-college programs, high schools, and community-based organizations. These programs include but are not limited to: All-In Milwaukee, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Carmen High Schools of Science and Technology (all campuses), Cristo Rey Jesuit High School (Milwaukee), College Possible, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), Nativity Jesuit Academy, Pathways High School, PEARLS for Teen Girls, St. Joan Antida High School, United Community Center, and UW-Milwaukee/M-Cubed Dual Enrollment.

Our Services

participants in the MKE Scholars program
Prospective MKE Scholars
Prospective scholars should review the program application detailing program benefits and requirements.
Benefits and Application
students participating in MKE SU experience
MKE Summer Experience
Admitted MKE Cohort Nine (9) scholars in the program will undergo one week-long enrichment program at no cost for scholars to gain a better understanding of campus and their role as a college student.
MKE Summer Experience
People at the Student Success Center
Current MKE Scholars
Welcome MKE Scholars, this page is available to help if you need a reminder about program requirements, benefits, or need to request a meeting or letter of recommendation. 
Staying Connected

Hear from Our MKE Scholars

To me, the fact that she made sure I [felt] comfortable and can trust her made me mentally and emotionally ready on upcoming plans and events. This relationship is a reminder that I have someone I can go to if I come across any unexpected difficulties so, I have no problem with the transitioning.

MKE ScholarSpring 2024

Meet Our Team

Ariel Milton-Kern
Associate Director of Student Success Initiatives

Isabella Virrueta
MKE Scholars Success Coach

Donate to Our Program

Thank you for considering a gift to the MKE Scholars Program. Your gift of any size makes a difference not only in the lives of our scholars but their families and our dedicated staff. The impact of your generosity supports academic year student scholarships, comprehensive summer bridge opportunities, summer housing, expansion of staffing needs, and year-round developmental and social programmatic efforts.

Because of the growing need for student success initiatives, our program exists to provide an exceptional level of holistic support and care for students as they navigate their collegiate journey at UW-Milwaukee. Your contribution to the MKE Scholars Program will be reflected in the lives of future generations positively transforming Milwaukee and beyond.

Give Online: Click Here to Make a Gift

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be admitted into UW-Milwaukee to submit a Program Application?

No, you do not have to be admitted when you submit the electronic program application. You MUST be admitted as regular/conditional admit by June 2025. At this time the program applications are closed. Please check back in December for updates on applying to Cohort 10.

Do I have to have a major to be a MKE Scholar?

No, you do not have to have a decided upon major to be a MKE Scholar. Our team and other identified success team partners will work with you to decide on a major once embarking on your UW-Milwaukee journey.

Do I have to have a certain GPA or ACT/SAT test score?

No, there is not a specific GPA or ACT/SAT test score needed to participate.

What makes me eligible to participate in the MKE Scholars Program?

Incoming scholars are eligible to submit a Program Agreement based on their participation/ official engagement in one of the following high schools and/or pre-college programs: All-In Milwaukee, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee or Dane County (Grad Plus), Carmen Schools of Science & Technology, College Possible, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), Cristo Rey Jesuit High School of Milwaukee, Nativity Jesuit Academy, Pathways High School, Pearls for Teen Girls, St Joan of Antida High School, & United Community Center. If you are interested in participating in our program but do not see your high school and/or pre-college program listed above please contact mkescholars-program@uwm.edu.

Do I have to participate in the 1-week Summer Experience to be an MKE Scholars as a new student at UW-Milwaukee?

Yes, to receive all benefits of the MKE Scholars Program, participation in one of the two offered week long Summer Experiences is required.

Is this the same program as SSS (Student Support Services)?

No, please refer to this link for more information regarding the SSS program: https://uwm.edu/student-support-services/  

Can I do both the SSS and MKE Scholars summer programs?

At this time our dates and times do not conflict for the 2024 SSS summer program so a student may participate in both if they so choose. If you’re unsure about participating in the SSS summer program, we strongly encourage you to participate in the SSS program during the regular academic year (starting in Fall) along with the MKE Scholars Program. Please reach out to SSS programming directly with any questions related to their summer program: https://uwm.edu/student-support-services/

Can I participate the UR@UWM (Undergraduate Research) Summer Program as well as the MKE Scholars Summer Bridge Program?

At this time dates and times do not conflict for both of these programs. As such, students may be able to participate in both. Please refer to this link for more information regarding the UR@UWM Summer program: https://uwm.edu/our/programs/uruwm/  

How much is awarded through scholarships for participants in the MKE Scholars Program?

Scholar participants will receive $1000 per academic year for up to four (4) years. This is the equivalent of $500 per semester for up to eight (8) semesters. Scholars are allowed one (1) time to exit and return to continue receiving program scholarship support.  

What if I change my mind and decide not to participate?

No worries. All we ask is that you communicate with our team that you have made the decision not participate. Until we our team hears from you directly, we will continue to include you in our communication plan.  

What if I am unsure about attending college in general, how can participating as a MKE Scholar assist me?

The first thing to remember is that college is quite different than high school. While the Summer Experience is only a week long experience for students, it will allow you to get ahead and gain a better understanding of campus and your role as a college student.  From familiarizing oneself with campus resources, identifying personal and academic needs, exploring independence and self-advocacy, and balancing competing external factors, you cannot go wrong with choosing to spend one week of your summer with us! You are guaranteed to have at least one key takeaway from this experience!  

Overall, choosing to join the MKE Scholars Program provides a unique opportunity for a prospective student to get on campus and experience a college environment in real time. We embed the week with strategically chosen components that are useful and meaningful for a holistic college experience.

What if I participate in the summer and decide that college is not for me and choose not to return for the Fall term/semester?

Let’s not even worry about this so early! Our team will be there to support and challenge throughout the summer. However, we recognize that you may not be ready to embark on the full college experience post-summer. We will be working with you throughout the week-long summer experience as well as the rest of the summer through 1:1 meetings where we meet with scholars individually to discuss progress and next steps.