MILWAUKEE — A new program aims to boost the number of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) high school students who go to college.

What You Need To Know

  • The Milwaukee Direct Admit program, spearheaded by Milwaukee’s three largest public education institutions – MPS, Milwaukee Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee – turns college dreams into a reality

  • Through Milwaukee Direct Admit, high school juniors attending any MPS school can apply to Milwaukee’s two largest colleges in less than five minutes, completely free of cost

  • The program aims to eliminate barriers that often prevent students from applying to and being accepted by institutions of higher learning, with a particular focus on helping first-generation college students

  • Through a streamlined online application process, Milwaukee Direct Admit connects a student’s MPS transcript directly to the schools of their choice, and it no longer requires attachments such as essays or letters of recommendation
 

It’s called Milwaukee Direct Admit. It allows MPS high school juniors to apply to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and/or Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). 

It’s designed to help students have better access to opportunities after graduation, especially first-generation college applicants. The program aims to make the application process easier to navigate and more accessible for all.

With a simple click on the MPS website, students can enter their name, student identification and where they want to apply — UW-Milwaukee, MATC or both. No essays, letters of recommendation or copies of transcripts are required. The site automatically sends student transcripts to UW-Milwaukee and MATC.

Applicants are guaranteed admission to at least one of the two schools. There is no GPA requirement, but seniors must graduate in the spring or summer of their final year of high school. 

This application process takes less than five minutes and is free.

“Easy, simple, free,” said Mark Mone, chancellor of UW-Milwaukee. “Reducing barriers, that’s exactly what we should be doing. You can all pull your phones out and you can download apps that give you access to the world. You can apply for mortgages and have and answer in seconds. Why should we not have access to education that is that easy?”

Kalan Neely, a freshman at Washington High School, said he plans to take advantage of this new offering when he’s an upperclassman. He said he wants to study engineering or aviation in college.

“This is like so surreal for me,” Neely said. “I didn’t think I would have this kind of opportunity. It's like a road has been revealed from the fog. I just feel happy to have this opportunity that few people get, and I am just glad I can make my parents proud.”

Many parents expressed relief hearing about this program. Markesha Hilliard said it creates more hope for Milwaukee kids, their families and their futures.

“To get the attention of youth and steer them in the direction of success,” Hilliard said. “While our demographic of students is incredible, they often have to jump over hurdles. They must have opportunities to do well at the next level. I believe this program is a healthy conductor to success.”

While Milwaukee Direct Admit guarantees admission to UW-Milwaukee or MATC for MPS students, it does not eliminate tuition costs. To start college in the fall of 2025, MPS students must apply online by June 14. They are expected to hear back by September. Accepted candidates must officially accept their offer and complete forms required by MATC or UW-Milwaukee, but they are not required to attend either school.

For more information, click here.

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