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M3 (M-cubed) College Connections Program

The M3 College Connections program is an innovative dual-enrollment program of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) that allows eligible students to complete their high school graduation requirements while earning college credits from both MATC and UWM at no expense to the student.  

The General College Pathway  is a full senior-year program with the opportunity for students to earn up to 21 college credits in core subject areas that meet general education requirements for most associate and bachelor’s degrees. Students can begin to apply in February of their junior year to participate in the General College Pathway their senior year. 

The Healthcare Pathway  provides an opportunity for seniors to begin taking courses at MATC and engage in a youth apprenticeship in healthcare during which they will work as a certified nursing assistant, medical assistant, pharmacy technician, phlebotomist, or other on-site healthcare position. Students can begin to apply in February of their junior year to participate in the Healthcare Pathway their senior year. 

The Education Pathway  begins in the spring semester of students' junior year. This pathway will allow MPS students to take courses in education at MATC and UWM that will introduce them to teacher education courses that include an internship in an MPS elementary school classroom. Students apply in September of their junior year to participate in an internship at an MPS elementary school in the spring (second semester) of their junior year. Students will then take a combination of education courses and general education requirement courses at MATC and UWM their senior year.

NEW! The Design and Build Pathway  is a full senior-year program for students with an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers. Students will have the opportunity to take college-level English, mathematics, and engineering/architecture courses at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, equipping them with the skills needed to design the future. Students can earn up to 23 college credits.

Applications are now open for the Design and Build Pathway. Apply now!

Frequently Asked Questions

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  Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible to apply, students must be on track to graduate and eligible for half-days during their senior year (this includes students with disabilities and English language learners). UWM and MATC have a soft recommendation of a 2.75 GPA. All applications are reviewed by an M3 (m-cubed) committee, and applicants must be approved by a school counselor to participate in the program. 

  Will student grades count toward high school GPA and appear on the student transcript?

All students will receive weighted grades that count toward their high school transcript and GPA. Additionally, each student will receive grades that go on a permanent college transcript at both MATC and UWM. Each student enrolled will be starting their first semester of college. No grade adjustments or removal of courses from transcripts will be allowed. 

  From what educational institution do the students graduate from high school?

The students will graduate from their home high school. Students participating in the program will remain attached to their home high school. Their enrollment, GPA, attendance, graduation, etc., will still be factored into the home high school’s overall data. Their transcripts and other student records will remain attached to the home high school. 

  What is the cost?

There is no cost to the students, families, or home high school for this program. Tutition, books, and fees are paid for.

  Where are classes held?

All classes will be held at the downtown MATC and UWM campuses.

  How will students get to UWM and MATC?

Students in the program will receive a WisGo card (formerly M-Card) from MATC for free transportation on Milwaukee County Transit for the year. If students choose to drive to either campus, they are responsible for paying for parking. Students will be eligible for student parking rates at MATC. Parking at UWM is meter only, or students may use the park and ride

Important Dates

Education Pathway

Application release:
September 1

Application deadline:
October 1


General College and Healthcare Pathways

Application release:
February 3, 2025

Application deadlines:
March 26 (general college) and
March 23 (healthcare), 2025

Preliminary acceptance:
May

Acceptance:
June


Design and Build Pathway

Application release:
March 18, 2025

Application deadline:
May 18, 2025

Contact

Postsecondary Engagement Coordinator:
Hannah Ingram
Email: ingramh@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Postsecondary Engagement Planning Assistant:
Matthew Zellmer
Email: zellmeml@milwaukee.k12.wi.us 

Education Pathway Advisor:
Tina Flood
Email: floodca@milwaukee.k12.wi.us 

© Milwaukee Public Schools 2025
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