Milwaukee City Wire

The 2024 graduates of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) have been offered a total of $113 million in scholarships and grants to further their education, the school district announced on Thursday, August 29. This marks the second-highest total since the district began tracking this figure in 2012.

A record number of 931 students from the Class of 2024 were offered scholarships and grants. Students at each of the district’s 16 high schools received more than $1 million in total scholarships and grants. Notably, MPS students attending last fall’s UNCF Empower Me Tour were awarded over $12 million in scholarships from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and historically Black colleges and universities.

Scholarships come from various donors and institutions, including the MPS Foundation. The announcement included expressions of gratitude from students and MPS officials toward these contributors.

Typically, the grand total of scholarships and grants is announced in June; however, delays with the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) postponed this year's offers. As of August 21, FAFSA completion rates stood at 50% nationally and 44% in Wisconsin. The MPS Class of 2024 had a completion rate of 59%, with ongoing efforts to assist graduates in completing their FAFSAs.

Several graduates shared their success stories during the announcement event held on Central Services' front lawn as district staff members cheered.

Karena Clark, a Riverside University High School graduate who will study nursing tuition-free at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, expressed her desire to give back to her community: “Your generosity is not just an investment in my future but in the community as a whole.”

Dwayne Veal, another Riverside graduate moving into his dormitory at Milwaukee School of Engineering on that day, described himself as “a first-generation college student” supported by many who believed in him. His scholarships exceed $400,000 covering his tuition and living expenses for four years as he pursues mechanical engineering.

“This process has taught me a lot about myself and how capable I am,” Dwayne said. He credited his school counselor and adviser for encouraging him to apply early for scholarships based on his work ethic and determination.

Aida Ochoa-Macedo from North Division High School earned over $100,000 in scholarships to attend Mount Mary University for early childhood education. She praised North Division's staff for their guidance and support.

Henry Leonard from District 7 on the Milwaukee Board of School Directors commended MPS graduates: “Your success gives us a great sense of mutual accomplishment.”

John R. Hill, Ph.D., MPS director of College and Career Readiness emphasized that collaboration among staff, families, students, and partners leads to remarkable achievements: “Milwaukee Public Schools is a diverse district that welcomes all students and prepares them for success.”