MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Area Technical College is extending the deadline for its MATC Promise program for recent high school graduates due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program offers eligible students from the 2020 graduating class free tuition for up to 75 credits after federal and state aid.

The original deadline was February 2020, but has been extended to July 17.

School leaders said they wanted to reopen the application window to help families dealing with economic stress due to the pandemic.

"We just thought it’s a such a time of, I’m sure, angst and concern," MATC President Dr. Vicki Martin said. "We really want them [recent graduates] to continue to pursue their dreams."

There is also a program for adults. The deadline for that program is also July 17.

More information and the application can be found on MATC's website.