A record number of MPS students in Class of 2024 earned $113-millionin scholarships and grants

The 2024 graduates of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) have been offered a total of $113-million in scholarships and grants to further their education, the school district announced Thursday, August 29, 2024.

It was the second-highest total since the district began tracking the total in 2012.

In the Class of 2024, 931 students were offered scholarships and grants, which is a record for the district. At each of 16 of the district’s high schools, students were offered more than $1-million total in scholarships and grants.

MPS students attending last fall’s UNCF Empower Me Tour were offered more than $12-million alone in scholarships from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Scholarships come from many donors and institutions, including the MPS Foundation, and they received the thanks of students and MPS officials at the announcement.

The grand total of scholarships and grants usually is announced in June, but the delayed rollout of the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, also delayed offers of scholarships and grants.

Nationally, the FAFSA completion rate as of August 21 was 50 percent, and the Wisconsin completion rate was 44 percent. The MPS Class of 2024 had a FAFSA completion rate of 59 percent as of August 21. The district continues to help 2024 graduates complete their FAFSA.

Several 2024 graduates illustrated their class’s success stories at the MPS scholarship and grant announcement, which took place on the front lawn of Central Services as district staff members cheered.

Karena Clark is a Riverside University High School graduate who will study to become a registered emergency room nurse, tuition free, at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She said she wants to give back to the community “that has given so much to me and make a difference in lives as you guys have made a difference in mine.”

Karena thanked the individuals and organizations who made her scholarships possible, saying, “Your generosity is not just an investment in my future, but in the community as a whole.

“To my fellow students, remember that the journey to success is never easy, but with perseverance, and the right support, anything is possible. Keep believing in yourself and never hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Together we can all achieve great things,” she said.

Dwayne Veal, another Riverside graduate, spoke on the day he was moving into a Milwaukee School of Engineering dormitory.

His story, he said, was one of “a first-generation college student who was fortunate enough to have the support of incredible people and organizations who believed in me and my potential. I feel that my story is filled with hard work and hopefulness.”

His total scholarships — more than $400,000 — will pay for his tuition and living expenses for all four years on his way to becoming a mechanical engineer.

“This is not just about money. This process has taught me a lot about myself and how capable I am. There are no limits to my success, and I want you all to know that about yourselves, as well,” Dwayne said.

His MPS school counselor and adviser urged him to apply for scholarships early on, he said. “They saw my work ethic and determination inspired me to do more.” Dwayne earned high gradepoint averages while also taking challenging Advanced Placement courses.

Aida Ochoa-Macedo, a graduate of North Division High School, earned more than $100,000 in scholarships. She will attend Mount Mary University to pursue a degree in early childhood education.

“As an alumna, I can proudly say I have met some amazing staff members and people who have guided and supported me” at North Division, Aida said.

Henry Leonard, who represents District 7 on the Milwaukee Board of School Directors, said of MPS graduates, “Your success gives us a great sense of mutual accomplishment,” adding, “You make us all very, very proud.”

At MPS, high school students have access to school counselors, College and Career Centers, and a scholarship coordinator, and the district has created and sustained relationships with key business and community partners and institutions of higher learning to assist with postsecondary success.

“The work we are celebrating is central to our mission: Milwaukee Public Schools is a diverse district that welcomes all students and prepares them for success in higher education, post-educational opportunities, work, and citizenship,” said John R. Hill, Ph.D., MPS director of College and Career Readiness.

“When staff, families, students, and partners work together to support students, remarkable things can happen,” Hill said.