By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist
June is here. Across the city, students are turning in final assignments and getting excited for the summer ahead. For many high school seniors, this is the summer before they head off to college, thanks to the work of All-In Milwaukee.
Launched in 2019 by executive director Allison Wagner, All-In Milwaukee is a college completion program that supports high-potential, limited-income, diverse Milwaukee students. Program staff members help these students navigate financial aid, provide academic and career advising and offer the necessary support to help them thrive throughout college and in the careers that follow.
“My favorite part of my job is watching these incredible students secure amazing jobs and knowing that their life trajectory is on a very different path,” said Wagner.
2024-2025 marked a historic school year for the program.
65 students graduated this spring, bringing the program’s graduation total up to 150 students. Even more remarkable is that 89% of these graduates are staying in Wisconsin to either start their careers or attend graduate school.
“We are seeing a strong matriculation into the Wisconsin workforce,” said Wagner.
On May 1, All-In Milwaukee welcomed 185 new students, its largest class yet. The program currently supports just over 600 students, and this number is expected to grow following a $7.4 million grant from Ascendium Education Group. Ascendium’s support will fund 350 scholar spots over the next five years and give All-In Milwaukee a solid foundation to reach its growth goal of serving 1,000 students (freshman through senior) annually by 2029.
“This was the largest gift [Ascendium’s] given in the Milwaukee area…,” said Wagner. “They’ve been impressed by our scholars, by our team and by our impact.”
Wagner shared that a larger office space was essential in accommodating the program’s 19 staff members and the increasing number of scholars. On May 28, All-In Milwaukee moved its headquarters from the Germania Building at 135 W. Wells St. to the Tannery office complex at 600 W. Virginia St. With double the square footage, the new office is equipped with a conference room, four huddle rooms and access to free parking.
“It’s going to be far more efficient and also really wonderful to have scholars come and meet the full team all in one space,” said Wagner.
Wagner shared that the program’s continued growth is not only good news for the students it serves, but it will also be rewarding for the business community. Each year, a rising number of All-In Milwaukee juniors and seniors will be applying for local internships or seeking entry-level employment opportunities.
There are plenty of avenues for local businesses to get involved. All-In Milwaukee is on the lookout for corporate partners that are willing to invest in the program. In return, these partners are connected to a growing local talent pool, given opportunities to highlight their business at All-In Milwaukee career events and receive a resume book of the program’s sophomores, juniors and seniors.
“Invest in our scholars today, hire them for internships tomorrow and make them the future leaders of our city,” said Wagner.
To learn more about becoming a corporate partner or supporting All-In Milwaukee’s mission, visit https://allinmilwaukee.org/.
