College Possible Milwaukee’s continued success has helped secure two grants for a combined total of $725,000 from Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation. While Wisconsin continues to fall short in national efforts to close the academic achievement gap, College Possible Milwaukee, supported by Great Lakes funding, offers programming that interrupts the alarming trend of Milwaukee’s struggle to level academic success and graduation rates among all demographics. A $600,000 grant will help more than 300 low-income Milwaukee students increase ACT scores and an additional 800 enrolled college students stay in school. A separate, two-year $125,000 grant will help ensure continued, sustainable support for programming. This means more low-income students ultimately earn a college degree, break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families, and help us build a competitive workforce.

“This grant helps ensure that more low-income, Milwaukee students earn college degrees,” said Edie Turnbull, executive director of College Possible Milwaukee. “Our partnership with Great Lakes gives our students the necessary support to be successful on college campuses nationwide.”              

Both College Possible and Great Lakes seek to strengthen a durable and lasting partnership in working toward closing the degree divide. Great Lakes’ support over the years has been instrumental in enabling College Possible’s coaching of low-income, first-generation students to and through college. With guidance through an intensive curriculum of coaching and support by dedicated AmeriCorps members, College Possible students see a more than 19% increase on ACT scores on average. Overall, 94% of College Possible students earn college admission in the face of socioeconomic barriers; College Possible students are 10 times more likely to earn a four-year degree than their low-income peers.

“Great Lakes is pleased to renew our support for College Possible Milwaukee because they share our goal of making college a reality for more low-income students, students of color and first-generation college students,” said Amy Kerwin, Great Lakes Vice President – Community Investments. “Their efforts have proven results, and our commitment will help College Possible continue its programming so that even more Milwaukee students can succeed in high school, college and beyond.”