Milwaukee Area Technical College

Thanks to the Ellen and Joe Checota MATC Scholarship Program, Zion Bullock is able to receive a college education at no cost to him. The scholarship covers Bullock’s tuition, books, course fees, equipment, supplies and housing. First started in 2022, the program has already helped hundreds of students afford an MATC education and get the credentials they need to join the workforce.

Bullock is an artist who enrolled in MATC’s entrepreneurship program to learn business skills to help monetize his passion. “I feel so much more professionally developed because of the real-world experience I get at MATC,” he says.

Sherrie Williams, who earned her cosmetology degree from MATC, is a successful entrepreneur herself, first opening a hair salon in 2008 and then launching a line of hair products designed for people of color.

Today, her line produces nearly 30 products, which can be found at major retailers including Walmart and Fresh Thyme. Froedtert’s hospital system is now using her products, as well. “MATC taught me a lot. The instructors really took their time with me,” she says.

Eric Gama is a graduate of MATC’s Uniquely Abled Academy, a program launched in 2021, which gives students with autism hands-on training to become computer numerical control operators. Gama now works as a manufacturing assistant at Allis Manufacturing.

During his time at MATC, Gama received over 500 hours of instruction, including technical training to interpret engineering drawings, measure parts, operate machine equipment safely and more. He also took career readiness and social skills classes, which help students write resumes and prepare for interviews. “I really enjoyed it. I was always happy to go to class,” Gama says.