Great Lakes Commits Additional $1.3 Million to MPS TEAM UP College Access Centers
Expert, One-on-One Assistance Advances More Milwaukee Students to College
Shaquana Corder is an MPS TEAM UP alumna and earned her associate’s degree at Concordia University Wisconsin in May 2014. She said, “I feel like I accomplished something that no one in my family has accomplished. I am excited for what the future holds. I feel like I can do anything I put my mind to now that I have my associate’s degree.” Corder is continuing toward a bachelor’s degree this fall.
Madison, Wis. – 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 drop-in 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.”
About MPS TEAM UP College Access Centers
Milwaukee Public Schools TEAM UP College Access Centers offer free resources and services to prepare students in grades six through twelve for college readiness by assisting with applications, admissions, financial aid and scholarships. Located at 2730 W. Fond du Lac Ave. and 3333 S. 27th St., Suite 300, the centers are open after school, evenings and weekends to students and their families from Milwaukee and surrounding communities. Operated by MPS, with support from numerous community partners, the college access centers are made possible by grants provided by Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation. For more information, visit teamup.milwaukee.k12.wi.us.
About Great Lakes and Community Investments
Knowing that education has the power to change lives for the better, Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates helps millions of students pay for college and repay their student loans. Through Community Investments, Great Lakes leads initiatives and funds programs that help students from traditionally underserved backgrounds start and complete a two- or four-year degree or other credential. Since 2006, Great Lakes has committed in excess of $100 million in funding to programs that share these goals. For additional information, visit community.mygreatlakes.org.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
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