'Smart Start': MPS partners with area colleges to help students transition to college life

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) students will get a chance at a "Smart Start." 

It's a new initiative between the district, Milwaukee Area Technical College and UW-Milwaukee in effort to combat "summer melt." 

Summer melt is the name given to the group of students who plan to go to college in the fall but never enroll. 

Every year, 10% to 40% of high school seniors who planned to go to college in the fall never enroll, according to Harvard University’s Center for Education Policy Research. They say students of color and students who would be the first-generation college students are disproportionately affected by summer melt.

University officials say Smart Start will help students transition to college life by connecting MPS high school seniors planning to attend MATC or UWM with coordinated support. Students can work with UWM instructors ahead of their freshman year and support will be offered through the admissions process.

Smart Start launches this summer.