NNS news and notes: Free COVID-19 testing; virtual town hall on the coronavirus; MATC Promise deadline extended; and don’t forget the census | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
May 11, 2020
Carissa Peters says she’s grateful for MATC Promise, which provides free tuition. Before she was accepted, Peters “had to work and go to school, which was tough because my classes were so demanding.” (File photo by Edgar Mendez)
Free COVID-19 testing begins Monday in 2 locations
Free COVID-19 testing for Milwaukee’s communities of color begins Monday, May 11 as part of Gov. Tony Evers’ initiative to stem the number of cases of the coronavirus across the state.
Testing will take place at 2701 S. Chase Ave. and 5760 W. Capitol Drive. Both locations will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. seven days a week
African Americans and Latinos account for about half of all coronavirus cases in Wisconsin, health officials say. Latinos make up less than 7% of the state’s population, but account for 29% of the COVID-19 cases. African Americans make up only about 6% of Wisconsin’s total population but account for 21% of the confirmed cases statewide.
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Medical College hosting virtual town hall on the coronavirus
The Medical College of Wisconsin will host the next in its series of weekly virtual community town halls at 6 p.m. Monday, May 11 to talk about the coronavirus, staying safe and healthy, and to answer your questions. This week the panel will also share information about COVID-19 testing. The event is free and you can register here. A recorded version of the town hall will be uploaded to MCW’s YouTube channel.
Deadline for MATC Promise is July 17
The deadline to apply for Milwaukee Area Technical College’s MATC Promise for new high school graduates is July 17.
The program offers eligible students from the high school Class of 2020 free tuition for up to 75 credits after federal and state financial grant aid has been applied.
“We  believe this opportunity is more important now than it’s ever been amid the economic challenges we are facing in our community,” Dr. Vicki J. Martin, MATC president, said in a news release. “The MATC Promise helps us break down financial barriers and ensure students are able  to access a quality, in-demand education.”
To qualify, students must be eligible for federal Pell grants as determined by the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid; earn a grade point average of 2.0 or higher in the first semester of their senior year; graduate from a high school in the MATC District or live in the MATC  District; and enroll in at least 12 credits at MATC in fall 2020.
For more information, click here. In case you missed it: MATC Promise program gives thousands an education lifeline
Don’t forget the census
The Census Bureau has extended the deadline to self-respond to the census until Oct. 31. But why put off for tomorrow what you can do today? It only takes 10 minutes to complete the questionnaire and you can do it online, by calling (844) 330-2020 or by mail. In case you missed it: Why the 2020 census should matter to you