MATC trying to tap into growing Latino population in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Area Technical College continues to close in on its goal of recruiting more Latino students and attain a coveted federal designation that would unlock thousands for dollars in grant and scholarship support for those students.

Since the 2017-18 school year, MATC's Latino population has grown from 16% of the student body to 19% as of fall 2019. In order to qualify as a Hispanic Serving Institution, MATC will need to hit 25%.

Campus leaders say educating more Latino students is crucial to meeting the needs of Milwaukee's workforce. It also would position MATC to better meet the needs of the students that make up a growing portion of the city's population: Since 2000, Hispanics have, by far, become the fastest-growing ethnic group in Milwaukee, according to a May 2019 report by the Wisconsin Policy Forum. 

Despite that, Hispanic students are enrolled in college at lower rates than African American, Asian and white students. When they do enroll, the report found, Hispanic students have lower graduation rates. Out in the workforce, the forum found Hispanic workers were also underrepresented in high-wage jobs.

"Those are statistics that we're really looking to overcome, together," MATC President Vicki Martin said. "We have a ways to go and we think this is one way to really accelerate that."

MATC would be the second college in Wisconsin to be named a Hispanic Serving Institution, following Alverno College. And the college is trying to get there in some unexpected ways.

On Tuesday, MATC announced a partnership with the Consulate of Mexico to create a "Ventanilla de Oportunidades Educativas," essentially a place where Mexican citizens can learn about a range of educational resources, from early education to English as a second language programs to GED preparation classes.

With a nearly $10,700 investment from the Mexican government, MATC staff will work in the consulate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, helping Mexicans navigate educational opportunities offered by Mexico and the U.S. The station is the 27th of its kind.

In addition to supporting Mexicans in Milwaukee, many of whom may still be learning English or be new to the city, Martin said she hopes the effort will reach parts of the Latino community through word of mouth.

"We really want them to understand that we're supportive," Martin said.

In the past year, the college hired two bilingual recruiters to work with high schoolers, recruitment manager Marwill Santiago said.

MATC is working to spread its name at community cultural events and is even planning a bilingual ad campaign.

Wilma Bonaparte, executive director of MATC's Mequon campus, said the school has long been a trailblazer in supporting Latino students. MATC was the first, and remains the only, college in Wisconsin to offer bilingual academic programs, from a barber apprenticeship to an associate's degree program in early childhood education. 

Language barriers can keep people in the dark about the opportunities that are available, she said. Bonaparte moved to Milwaukee nearly 30 years ago and enrolled in English as a second language classes at MATC. 

"When I came to Milwaukee, not knowing the language, I was lost," she said. "So having a person who can connect to all of the services and open the windows ... it's a great opportunity."

Contact Devi Shastri at 414-224-2193 or DAShastri@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @DeviShastri.

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