M-Cubed College Connections Program
The M3 (M-Cubed) 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). Eligible students who participate complete their high school graduation requirements while earning college credits from both MATC and UWM—for free.
There is no cost to students, families, or MPS high schools for this program. Tuition, books, and fees are paid for. All classes are held at the downtown MATC and UWM campuses.
View the 2026–27 M-Cubed College Connections Student Handbook
Pathways
Application Release: February 2, 2026 | Application Deadline: March 22, 2026
General College Pathway
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.
Apply for the General College Pathway
Healthcare Pathway
The Healthcare Pathway provides an opportunity for seniors to begin taking courses at MATC and engage in a youth apprenticeship in healthcare. 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.
Apply for the Healthcare Pathway
Education Pathway
The Education Pathway begins in the fall semester of junior year. Students can begin to apply in the spring of their sophomore year to participate in an internship at an MPS elementary school in the fall 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. Juniors and seniors can apply to participate in an education internship at any time.
Apply for the Education Pathway
Eligibility
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 M-Cubed committee, and applicants must be approved by a school counselor to participate in the program.
Grading
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.
Transportation
Students in the program will each receive a WisGo 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 metered, or students may use the park and ride.
Graduation
Students participating in the program will remain attached to and will graduate from their home high schools. Each student's enrollment, GPA, attendance, graduation, transcripts, and so on will remain attached to the home high school and factored into the school's overall data.
More Information
If you have any questions, please contact Matthew Zellmer, postsecondary engagement planning assistant, at zellmel@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or Brett Fuller, education pathway coordinator, at fullerba@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.