FAFSA effort: Milwaukee leaders urge MPS seniors to take action

New push to get high school seniors to tackle the FAFSA

With the completion of federal financial aid forms down 14% in just two years at Milwaukee Public Schools, the district along with MATC and UW-Milwaukee have a call to action.

MILWAUKEE - With the completion of federal financial aid forms down 14% in just two years at Milwaukee Public Schools, the district along with MATC and UW-Milwaukee have a call to action.

Area leaders came together on Monday, Oct. 11 so students can reach their goals.

"To help young people in our community achieve their dreams to allow them to scale Heights that perhaps they never viewed as possible in their lives," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step.

"Urge our young people to get this done," Posley said.

As one form can remove financial barriers from students attending colleges and universities, area colleges are also behind the push.

"This is not only a concern from the perspective of federal grants and loans and also affects access to scholarships," said Dr. Naydeen Gonzalez-De Jesus, MATC Executive Vice President.

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It is even critical to the workforce.

Mayor Barrett works with MPS, MATC and UWM to grow FAFSA completion efforts

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is working with M-Cubed partners (Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), MATC, and UW-Milwaukee) to grow FAFSA completion.

"If UWM and all of our colleges in this area do not enroll more students of color particularly from urban centers like Milwaukee, we will be unable to provide the diverse workforce and talent necessary for employers in our region," said Dr. Phyllis King, UW-Milwaukee Vice Provost.

While the process may be daunting, assistance is being made readily available.

"The college and career center will host FAFSA events and will have staff available to provide one on one assistance to students and families," Posley said.

MPS Superintendent Keith Posley

"MATC is going to welcome college goal Wisconsin to our campuses throughout the month of October and November for workshop and in-person help," Gonzalez-De Jesus said.

All of this is being done so students can be successful.

"There’s a direct correlation between the years of schooling and the amount of money they can make I want to see that particularly for kids of color particularly low-income kids. I want to see them have an opportunity so they can raise a family and support their family," Barrett said.

Students are encouraged to fill out the FAFSA early as some funds are limited.