Students may be referred to a program, or they can contact a school counselor for more information.
College and Career Center
The College and Career Center at South Division is open during regular school hours and provides expert support to students and families applying for college, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), researching scholarships, and more.
College Access Programs
College Possible Wisconsin
College Possible provides college coaches to students in eight high schools in MPS and supports student enrollment and completion of two- and four-year colleges.
First Nations Studies College Access Program
The First Nations Studies College Access Program supports postsecondary attainment for students who identify as Native American. Learn more about the First Nation Studies College Access Program support services provided to students to transition through high school and beyond at mpsmke.com/firstnations.
PEOPLE
The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE) started in 1999 with sixty-six high school students from Milwaukee. The PEOPLE program serves students in grades 9 through 12 in several MPS high schools.
UW-Green Bay Rising Phoenix
Rising Phoenix is a program for students at participating GEAR UP high schools. Students can earn their high school diploma and a two-year Associate of Arts and Sciences degree upon high school graduation by taking dual enrollment online courses through UW-Green Bay at no cost. Students must meet GEAR UP and Rising Phoenix program eligibility requirements to enroll.
UWM TRIO & Pre-College
Federally funded TRIO & Pre-College programming promotes academic excellence in high school and college access for first-generation, low-income, and other underrepresented students. The TRIO & Pre-College experience at UW-Milwaukee includes tutoring in core subjects like math and science, college tours, and structured academic support to eligible MPS students who aspire to thrive in college or university after earning their MPS high school diploma.
Wisconsin GEAR UP
The Wisconsin GEAR UP program supports students in grades 6 through 12 with the goal of high school graduation and preparing for and succeeding in postsecondary education. The Wisconsin GEAR UP program is in a number of schools across MPS. Learn more about the Wisconsin GEAR UP program.
Career Preparation
BGC Career Development
Young people set goals, develop workforce-ready skills, and explore a variety of industries and work environments through Boys & Girls Clubs Career Development programming. Activities include worksite tours, guest speakers, hands-on experiences, and lessons on financial planning and career planning. Together, these BGC Career Development programs teach skills and provide training to help scholars launch a successful job search.
BGC Grad Plus
Through Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee’s Graduation Plus (Grad Plus) programming, South Division scholars receive mentorship and support as they work toward high school graduation and post-secondary education goals. BGC Grad Plus uses a relationship-centered case management approach to provide impactful, individualized support to every scholar.
City Year
City Year AmeriCorps members provide one-on-one and small group tutoring in English or Spanish to help South Division students stay on track to graduation or get back on track to graduation and life success.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
Milwaukee Public Schools uses PBIS to promote positive student behavior. After years of use, districts across the country, MPS included, are reporting increases in student achievement, more positive school environments, and fewer classroom disruptions and disciplinary referrals.
PBIS uses a three-tiered approach. Tier one teaches expectations to all students and promotes collaboration and consistency in the classroom: Teachers and students co-design agreements and routines that align with school expectations. Tiers two and three provide structure, interventions, and follow up for students who need more support.
Violence Free Zone (VFZ)
Cardinal VFZ Youth Advisors build relationships with students. These Youth Advisors are mature young adults who are from the same neighborhoods as students in the school. These Youth Advisors can gain the trust and respect of the students they work with because they overcame some of the same challenges our students experience today. Cardinal VFZ Youth Advisors serve as mentors, conflict resolvers, and positive role models inside and outside of school. Milwaukee Christian Center is the local partner agency that brings Violence Free Zone programming and professionals to South Division.
Alternative Education
Students who are at risk of graduating late or who fall behind on credits may access individualized teaching support, an alternative schedule, accelerated courses, and other accommodations in programs designed to get them get back on track to graduation.
To learn more, contact our school’s counseling department or the district’s Office of Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO).
GED Option #2
GED Option #2 is for students 17 and older who are at least one year behind in their high school credits and still want to graduate with their peers. A reading test and intake meeting are required to determine eligibility. Students who meet all program requirements graduate with a high school diploma.
South Accelerated Academy
Senior students who are behind in credits and want to pursue an accelerated, alternative path to graduation day may be eligible for South Accelerated Academy. Academy students follow a half-day schedule of accelerated courses that combine project-based learning and small group instruction. South Accelerated Academy placement tests occur every October and March.