MATC Adult High School Diploma Program: Requirements and Opportunities

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) offers a comprehensive Adult High School program for individuals aged 16 and older seeking to earn a high school diploma. Accredited by Cognia, the program provides a supportive academic environment with a range of student services. This article outlines the requirements, opportunities, and key aspects of the MATC Adult High School Diploma Program.

Program Overview

MATC’s Adult High School is designed for students who have not completed their high school education. The program is open to individuals age 16 and older. However, students under 18 must attend a school district with a partnership agreement or contract with MATC. The curriculum is comprehensive, and the school is accredited by Cognia, ensuring quality and recognition of the diploma.

Key Features

The MATC Adult High School offers several key features to support student success:

Accreditation: Cognia accreditation ensures the program meets high standards of educational quality.
Comprehensive Support: A full range of academic and student support services are available.
Flexible Scheduling: Classes are offered in various formats, including daytime, online, and weekend options, to accommodate different schedules. Daytime classes run for eight weeks per quarter, beginning in August, October, January, and March. Online classes are flexible, requiring five to ten hours of assignments per week. Weekend classes start in August and January.
Advanced Standing: Students with prior high school credits receive advanced standing, reducing the number of credits needed to graduate.
Technical/occupational classes: Subject areas include automotive technologies, business, motorcycle and outdoor engine repair, computer-aided drafting, culinary arts and pre-engineering. Students attain entry-level job skills.
Credit Recovery: High school students ages 16 and older may register for classes to make up high school credits.

Eligibility and Admission

To enroll in the MATC Adult High School program, prospective students must follow these steps:

Age Requirement: Be 16 years of age or older.
Online Application: Complete the online MATC Admissions application form.
TABE Test: Make an appointment to take the Reading and Math TABE test at any of the assessment centers.
Partnership Agreement (if applicable): Students under 18 must attend a school district with a partnership agreement or contract with MATC.

Curriculum and Credit Requirements

The MATC Adult High School curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students with varying levels of prior high school experience.

Read also: Cost of Attending MATC

Students with No Prior High School Experience: Complete 46 credits of coursework.
Students with Prior High School Credits: Receive advanced standing and complete the remaining credits needed for graduation. Students can find their individual Program Plan at INFOnline.matc.edu.

Financial Aid and Payment Options

MATC offers various financial aid and payment options to make education accessible:

FAFSA: Apply for financial aid as early as possible by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. Late applications may result in the need for a payment plan.
Payment Plans: Enroll in a payment plan if financial aid is not processed in time.
Payment Methods: Pay for classes in person at the Cashier's Office at any MATC campus or online via Self-Service registration.

MATC Promise Programs

MATC offers two Promise programs that provide free tuition for eligible students:

MATC Promise for New High School Graduates: Launched in 2015, this program was the first of its kind in Wisconsin.
- Eligibility: Graduate as part of the Class of 2022 from a high school in the MATC District or live in the MATC District. The priority deadline is Dec.
MATC Promise for Adults:
- Eligibility: Be 24 years of age or older as of Dec.; have an expected family contribution (EFC) of $6,500 or less as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants who are in default on one or more prior student loans must apply by Dec. 3, 2021; the final deadline is Jan.
- Application: Individuals must complete the MATC High School Class of 2022 interest application or the Promise for Adults Interest Application for Spring 2022.

Additional Educational Opportunities at MATC

Beyond the Adult High School Diploma Program, MATC provides numerous pathways for adult learners to achieve their educational and career goals.

GED and HSED Programs

For those seeking an alternative to a traditional high school diploma, MATC offers GED (General Education Development) and HSED (High School Equivalency Diploma) programs. These programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the GED or HSED exams, providing them with a state-recognized high school credential.

GED/HSED Orientation and Career Planning Course: After the TABE test, if you want to begin taking the GED/HSED exams, you must first complete MATC's GED/HSED Orientation and Career Planning course, CAREER-750. This workshop is a one-time session required by the State of Wisconsin. There is a cost for this workshop. It will explain what you need to know about taking the exams, completing diploma requirements, and career planning. You will receive a DPI form when you complete this workshop. Next you can contact any MATC testing center to complete a GED registration.
HSED 5.09 Program: One of the HSED options is the HSED 5.09 program. There are four other methods of earning a High School Equivalency Diploma. At the Downtown Milwaukee Campus, GED testing is conducted in Room S215 in the Student Center. MATC also offers the opportunity to earn your GED or HSED through partner organizations in the community.
Basic Skills Courses: Basic Skills courses and classes at MATC's Adult High School can help you catch up on English, mathematics, science and social studies, no matter what your skill level. Basic Skills instruction is geared to those who do not have a high school diploma. A network of more than 35 community-based programs provides basic skills instruction from the 0-12 grade level. MATC faculty provide English language instruction, native language literacy for Hmong/Lao and Spanish speakers, bilingual content instruction, GED assistance, and family literacy. These programs are located in many of the city's neighborhoods.

Technical and Occupational Training

MATC is renowned for its extensive range of technical and occupational training programs, designed to provide students with job-ready skills in high-demand industries. These programs are an excellent option for adult learners looking to enhance their career prospects or transition into a new field.

Read also: Financial Aid Details

Diverse Subject Areas: Technical/occupational classes subject areas include automotive technologies, business, motorcycle and outdoor engine repair, computer-aided drafting, culinary arts and pre-engineering. Students attain entry-level job skills.
Hands-On Learning: MATC emphasizes hands-on learning, ensuring that students gain practical experience and develop the competencies employers seek.

Transfer Opportunities

For adult learners aspiring to pursue a bachelor's degree, MATC offers seamless transfer options to numerous four-year colleges and universities. Through articulation agreements and transfer pathways, students can earn credits at MATC and then transfer to a four-year institution to complete their bachelor's degree.

Over 170 Academic Programs: The college offers more than 170 academic programs; and transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 40 four-year colleges and universities.

Support Services

MATC is committed to providing comprehensive support services to help adult learners succeed. These services include:

Academic Advising: Students receive guidance and support from experienced academic advisors who assist them in developing personalized education plans and navigating the college system.
Career Counseling: Career counselors provide assistance with career exploration, job search strategies, resume writing, and interview skills, helping students achieve their career goals.
Tutoring: Free tutoring services are available to students who need extra help with their coursework.
Disability Services: MATC is committed to providing accommodations and support services to students with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to educational opportunities.
Financial Aid Assistance: Financial aid professionals assist students in applying for financial aid and exploring various funding options to make college affordable.

Free WiFi Access

MATC provides free WiFi access at various locations for student convenience:

MATC Main Campus
Manhattan Regional Airport (5500 Skyway Dr., Manhattan)
Manhattan Public Library (629 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan)
Manhattan City Park (1101 Freemont St., Manhattan)
Near the splash park and playground area
City Park Pool
Wefald Pavilion and GTM Family Center Ice Rink
Douglass Community Recreation Center (900 Yuma Drive, Manhattan)
Panera Bread (315 Southwind rd., Manhattan)
Radina's Coffee (various locations)
McDonald’s (various locations)
Starbucks (various locations)
Bluestem Bistro (1219 Moro St., Manhattan)
Pizza Hut (various locations)
IHOP (101 Goodfood Pl., Manhattan)
McAlister's Deli (427 Tuttle Creek Blvd., Manhattan)
Hy-Vee (601 N. 3rd Pl., Manhattan)
Paramour Coffee (2005 Clocktower Pl., Manhattan)

Additional Resources

Computers for Student Use: Computers are available for student use in the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC). Free computer and Internet access are available at the Manhattan Public Library. Contact Public Library staff for additional information. Most public libraries offer free computer and internet access and basic computer help.
Switching or Making Changes to Your Current Program: Students interested in making a change to their current program should meet with their pathway advisor. Your pathway advisor will review your request and submit the change to our Admissions department. Students changing a program within their pathway see their pathway advisor.
Healthcare Pathway Programs: For students applying to a Healthcare Pathway program (except Nursing Assistant), MATC no longer requires a criminal background check as part of the admissions process but it is part of the petition process. You will be asked to complete a form acknowledging that this background check will happen. MATC will not deny admission to any Healthcare Pathway program based upon the result of the criminal background check. However, agencies who serve as clinical or field placement sites for MATC Healthcare Pathway courses reserve the right to deny a placement based upon criminal background check results.

Read also: MATC Schedules and Dates

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