All-In Milwaukee Scholarship: Requirements and Opportunities for Milwaukee Students

Milwaukee faces a persistent challenge with low college completion rates among learners from low-income backgrounds. A Wisconsin Policy Forum report estimates that only 15% of the city’s high school graduates earn a postsecondary degree within six years. Considering that nearly two-thirds of jobs in Wisconsin that pay $50,000 or more annually require a degree, this gap leaves many Milwaukee learners without access to upward mobility. All-In Milwaukee is working to change that.

What is All-In Milwaukee?

All-In Milwaukee is a college completion and career placement program that supports talented, limited-income students from Milwaukee, most of whom are students of color, who demonstrate strong academics, leadership, and character. It is more than a scholarship; it's a comprehensive program designed to help students complete college and launch their careers in Wisconsin.

The program provides financial aid, individualized advising, and career support to help students complete college and build meaningful careers. All-In Milwaukee aims to transform the city by supporting students from underserved backgrounds.

Eligibility and Application Process

Nomination

The first step to becoming an All-In Milwaukee Scholar is to be nominated for the application by one of All-In Milwaukee’s Pathway Partners, such as a local high school or a community organization college access program. Students may be nominated at any time while the application is open. Once nominated, students receive a unique application link to apply.

Application Timeline

Students apply during their senior year of high school to become All-In Milwaukee Scholars. The application for the Class of 2026 is currently closed, and the application for the Class of 2027 will open in November 2026.

Read also: UWM Dorms: An Overview

Key Requirements and Considerations

To qualify for the All-In Milwaukee scholarship, students must:

Demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Family-adjusted gross income should qualify the student for the minimum Pell Grant according to FAFSA guidelines, if eligible to apply for the FAFSA.
Commit to attending one of All-In Milwaukee’s University Partners, completing college, and beginning their careers in Wisconsin.

Partner Colleges

Partner colleges include Alverno College, Carroll University, Marquette University, Milwaukee School of Engineering, UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Whitewater, and Wisconsin Lutheran College. These institutions provide robust financial aid packages.

Financial Support

Scholars are awarded a renewable four-year scholarship and receive individualized advising and support from an AIM Scholar Advisor for up to six years. All-In Milwaukee provides an additional $12,000 in scholarships over four years and offers emergency grants through donor contributions.

Comprehensive Support

Beyond financial support, the program offers comprehensive advising and career preparation, equipping students with the tools to thrive in competitive environments. Many universities lack the resources to fully meet the needs of learners from low-income backgrounds, but All-In Milwaukee bridges this gap by providing its scholars with access to the skills, networks, and financial stability essential for success.

Marquette University's All-In Marquette College Completion Scholarship

Marquette University offers the All-In Marquette College Completion Scholarship to students admitted to the College of Nursing who have applied for the All-In Milwaukee scholarship. To qualify, students must apply to Marquette by the January 15 admission application deadline and then apply to All-In Milwaukee’s scholarship by February 15.

Success Stories

Adrian Mora, a recent All-In Milwaukee scholar and 2023 graduate of Marquette University, exemplifies the program’s transformative impact. As a first-generation college student, Adrian received financial support and assistance from scholar advisors who helped him with everything from securing a parking pass and completing FAFSA forms to addressing study habits, mental health, and career planning. The program also encouraged Adrian to pursue an internship at Milwaukee-based international financial services firm Baird, where he now works as a portfolio analyst.

MKE Scholars Program at UW-Milwaukee

The MKE Scholars Program at UW-Milwaukee also partners with All-In Milwaukee. Incoming scholars are eligible to submit a Program Agreement based on their participation/official engagement in one of several high schools and/or pre-college programs, including All-In Milwaukee, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee or Dane County (Grad Plus), Carmen Schools of Science & Technology, College Possible, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), Cristo Rey Jesuit High School of Milwaukee, Nativity Jesuit Academy, Pathways High School, Pearls for Teen Girls, St Joan of Antida High School, & United Community Center.

MKE Scholars Program Details

Eligibility: Incoming scholars are eligible to submit a Program Agreement based on their participation in partner high schools and pre-college programs.
Application: Students do not have to be admitted into UW-Milwaukee to submit a Program Application but MUST be admitted as regular/conditional admit by June 2025.
Major: Students do not need to have a decided major to be an MKE Scholar.
Scholarship Amount: Scholar participants receive $1000 per academic year for up to four years ($500 per semester for up to eight semesters).
Summer Program: Students can participate in both the SSS and MKE Scholars summer programs if the dates and times do not conflict.

The MKE Scholars Program provides holistic support and care for students as they navigate their collegiate journey at UW-Milwaukee.

Impact and Future Goals

All-In Milwaukee aims to double its impact and serve 1,000 students annually. This expansion is supported by a five-year, $7.4 million grant from Ascendium. The program's success is evident in the achievements of its scholars, who are not only graduating from college but also securing meaningful careers and contributing to the Milwaukee community.

Ascendium's Investment

Ascendium Education Group is committed to making education and training beyond high school a reality for more people. Their investment in All-In Milwaukee will help learners from low-income backgrounds achieve upward mobility. The grant includes a comprehensive assessment of the program’s effectiveness to guide similar efforts nationwide and explore potential in-state expansion.

Read also: Fires in Milwaukee and Madison

tags: #all #in #milwaukee #scholarship #requirements