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College and Career Readiness

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) offers programs, services, and other resources to make sure all high school graduates are fully prepared for the future.  

Being “college and career ready” means that you have what it takes to be successful in life after high school, whether you’re going to college, getting a job, or choosing another path. Students need to be strong in three key areas to succeed: 

1. Knowledge
What You Know		 2. Skills
What You Can Do		 3. Habits
How You Act
This simply means having a strong understanding of core academic subjects, like English language arts, math, science, and social studies. 

This is about using what you’ve learned in real life. You need skills in: 

  • Critical thinking: Solving tough problems 
  • Communication: Sharing your ideas clearly 
  • Collaboration: Working well with a team 
  • Creativity: Coming up with new ideas

This is about building character traits that will benefit you going forward. These include: 

  • Perseverance: Sticking with it, even when things get tough 
  • Responsibility: Being dependable and owning your actions 
  • Adaptability: Being flexible and able to adjust to change 
  • Leadership: Stepping up to guide and help others 

From the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction: Every Child a Graduate, College and Career Ready 

 

To make sure students are ready for life after graduation, MPS offers a variety of programs and services for students of all ages. 

 

Opportunities for All MPS Students (K–12)  

It is never too early to start thinking and planning for your future! 

  • Academic and Career Planning via Xello: This online program helps students learn about themselves and start developing their academic and career plan.   
  • School Counseling: Counselors offer support with academic achievement and college and career readiness.  
  • Summer Academy: Students explore their interests, prepare for the next grade level, catch up on academics, and more. 

Students at select MPS schools have access to the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program that focuses on whole child development and preparation for the future. Project-based learning programs like Project Lead the Way (PLTW) increases interest in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields. 

For parents or family members who want to support their students’ learning, the M3 Milwaukee Parent Institute teaches them how to best help children in elementary, middle, and high school. 
 

Opportunities for Elementary and Middle School Students 

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade should focus on building their knowledge and skills while exploring their interests. Participating in group activities such as clubs or sports helps them further develop their skills and build key habits. 

 

Opportunities for High School Students 

High school students move from exploration to preparation by taking courses aligned to their future interests and goals. Regardless of what students want to do after high school, they should all meet graduation requirements, take one or more challenging classes, participate in work-based learning activities, engage in extracurriculars and/or work experiences, learn to advocate for themselves, and learn personal finance. 

 

Career and Technical Education (CTE) 

CTE in MPS 

MPS offers many opportunities for students to explore their interests and prepare for careers after high school.  

 

College Credits 

  • Advanced Placement (AP): Courses offer college-level curriculum and exams to earn college credit. 
  • Dual Enrollment: Multiple options—including the M3 College Connections Program—allow students to earn college credits for free while in high school.  

 

College Access 

  • Partners and Programs: Students are supported as they prepare for, enroll in, and finish college. 
  • Direct Admit: This free, streamlined application sends MPS transcripts directly to participating colleges.  

 

Other Resources and Opportunities