MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and Alverno College announced a new initiative Wednesday, aimed at making the college application process a little easier for students. 

A new application is now available for MPS juniors interested in attending Alverno after they graduate. 

In a process that takes less than 10 minutes, students simply need to provide their name and MPS student ID number in order to submit an application. No essays or letters of recommendation, just a quick and easy free application. 

"This simplified application process provides greater access to higher education," said Mariana Sanabria, VP of enrollment services at Alverno. "By taking what can be a daunting process, especially for first-generation students, and making the initial steps towards college less overwhelming."

Alverno joins MATC and participating University of Wisconsin campuses in offering a free, online direct-admit application. 

MPS juniors have until June 1 of this year to submit their application before kicking off their college journey in the fall of next year.