M3 (M-Cubed) College Connections Program
M3 (M-Cubed) College Connections Program
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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 to earn up to twenty-one college credits in core subject areas at MATC and UWM 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 in 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 positions. Students can begin to apply in February of their junior year to participate in the Healthcare Pathway in their senior year.
The Education Pathway begins in the spring semester of students' junior year. This pathway will allow MPS students to gain experience in education through an internship at 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 then have the opportunity to apply for the General College Pathway to earn up to twenty-one college credits in core subject areas at MATC and UWM that meet general education requirements for most associate and bachelor’s degrees. You can learn more about each pathway by reviewing the M3 College Connections Student Handbook.
Applications are now open for the General College Pathway and the Healthcare Pathway. Apply now!
Important Dates
Education Pathway Application Release: Education Pathway Application Deadline:
September 1st, 2025 October 1st, 2025
General & Healthcare Pathway Application Release: General & Healthcare Pathway Application Deadline
February 2nd, 2026 March 16th, 2026
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Contact Information
Postsecondary Engagement Planning Assistant: Postsecondary Engagement Coordinator:
Matthew Zellmer Hannah Ingram
Email: zellmeml@milwaukee.k12.wi.us Email: ingramh@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
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 students' grades count toward their high school GPA and appear in the students' final high school transcript?
Will students' grades count toward their high school GPA and appear in the students' final high school 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 institutions do the students graduate from high school?
From what educational institutions 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. Students are still able to participate in high school extracurriculars and events. 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?
What is the cost?
There is no cost to the students, families, or home high school involved in this program. Tuition, books, and fees are paid for.
Where are classes held?
Where are classes held?
All classes will be held at the downtown MATC and UWM campuses.
How will students get to UWM and MATC?
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.
How does M3 define "success"?
How does M3 define "success"?
M3 defines success as establishing an effective K-16 pipeline that enhances higher education opportunities and workforce readiness for individuals while simultaneously addressing the talent and skill demands of employers in Milwaukee. Learn more about M-Cubed at https://uwm.edu/m-cubed/.
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