In the 16 months since it launched, the Ellen and Joe Checota MATC Scholarship Program has already given full rides to 728 students at Milwaukee Area Technical College.
The scholarship provides funding to students earning degrees in one of 90-plus technical programs, such as welding, accounting, IT, cosmetology and automotive. Medical focuses like dental technician, medical billing, emergency medical technician, nursing assistant and medical coding are also included.
“What Ellen and Joe are particularly interested in is focusing on short-term credentials that can get people into the workforce faster,” says Laura Bray, the vice president of college advancement and external communications and the executive director of the MATC Foundation. “This scholarship gives a path to enter careers that do not require a four-year degree. Many students are saying, ‘This is opening up a door that I didn’t even know existed.’”
The Checota MATC Scholarship Program is supported by a $2-to-$1 match, up to $5 million, to create a $7.5 million total fund. “By raising $450,000 more in donations, we’ll unlock the final million,” says Bray, referring to the Checotas’ commitment to match donations $2-to-$1.
Scholarship recipients have up to 18 months of financial support if they maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher and carry at least nine credits per semester in pursuit of scholarship-eligible technical diplomas or certificates. Scholarships cover tuition, transportation, books, food support, child care and housing. “It’s the most comprehensive scholarship we’ve ever offered – it’s a full ride,” says Bray, who notes that embedded case managers work with students to support their success. Scholarship recipients have higher GPAs and retention rates and graduate in less time than the MATC student body overall.
“Our average student’s age is around 28,” Bray says. “Eighty-seven percent in the current round had incomes below $27,000. If you look at the jobs they’re pursuing and the average income affiliated with those jobs, they stand to make $53,000 a year [within six months after graduation].”
Ninety percent of MATC students are part-time. “We want to jump-start your career prospects so you can earn more and support your family,” Bray says to potential applicants. One student, in his last semester, didn’t register for classes because he no longer could afford it – until he heard about the scholarship through an instructor. “Now he’s working and making a great wage,” Bray says.
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What We Do
- Milwaukee Area Technical College provides high-quality, affordable degrees in over 180 programs, including welding, accounting, IT, dental technician, nursing, STEM and more.
- Founded in 1979, MATC Foundation is the college’s philanthropic partner – working together with civic leaders, employers, community members and alumni to develop the region’s talent pipeline and promote economic opportunity.
Where Your Money Goes
- The Checota MATC Scholarship Program operates on a $2-to-$1 match, meaning that for every $1 donation, the Checota’ double the amount. Donations are used to fund full-ride scholarships to students in need, covering tuition, food, books, transportation, childcare and more.
Milwaukee Area Technical College Foundation
700 W. STATE ST. | 414-297-6282
