MPS TEAM UP College Access Centers receive additional $1.3 million commitment from Great Lakes Higher Guaranty Corporation

To inspire more Milwaukee youth to graduate and continue their education beyond high school, Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation has invested an additional $1.3 million for ongoing operation of two MPS TEAM UP College Access Centers. Since 2011, more than 10,000 students have benefitted from the centers’ free services on how to find, apply, and pay for a college education. The Great Lakes extension grant will sustain these services for another two years, through the 2015-2016 school year. Located on both north and south sides of the city, the College Access Centers are open to all 6th through 12th graders in Greater Milwaukee. Trained experts are on staff to provide dropin workshops, one-on-one counseling, and follow-up appointments year round. Students get the support they need to prepare for and succeed in college:

• Choosing the right high school classes for college admission
• Determining the type of
college and program to pursue based on individual interests and abilities
• Preparing for college entrance exams
• Completing college applications
• Applying for financial aid to meet rising college costs “The MPS TEAM UP College Access Centers are vital to our efforts to achieve increased graduation rates, the number of students attending college, and the number of college scholarships awarded,” said Dr. Gregory E. Thornton, superintendent of schools. “I am proud of the work we have done and I am excited about the direction in which Milwaukee Public Schools is headed. Together with Great Lakes and our other community partners, we are accomplishing great things.”

To make access to the centers as easy as possible, Great Lakes funding provides students, families, and school groups with free bus vouchers. The North center, 2730 W. Fond du Lac Ave., is on Route 22, and the South center, 3333 S. 27th St., Suite 300, is on Route 27. Summer hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, through Aug. 22. “Putting more students on the path to higher education has undeniable benefits for individuals, for communities, for our workforce, and for our society,” said Richard D. George, Great Lakes president and chief executive officer. “We are pleased to continue our partnership with MPS, and take bold steps that will help more Milwaukee students see college as a real possibility, and help them at each crucial step along the way.”