MATC receives $112,000 donation for expansion of DACA Plus scholarship program

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Local businesses presented a significant donation to MATC on Tuesday, July 12 to expand a scholarship program for students who are DACA recipients or are undocumented immigrants.

During an event, MATC celebrated the $112,000 donation presented by supermarket El Rey and automotive dealership Van Horn Latino. The donation expands the pool of funds for the program known as DACA Plus. It's part of an overall effort for MATC to establish itself and qualify as a Hispanic Serving Institution -- or HSI.

"Our goal is to close the equity gap and provide opportunity where we see the need in the Hispanic community," MATC President Dr. Vicki Martin said.

The DACA Plus program helps new students who are DACA recipients, or are undocumented who do not qualify for other financial assistance, with scholarships.

"I'm very emotional this morning because it's not just the funds, but it's the hope that someone is watching out for these students, that somebody cares and someone's motivating them with funds to be able to go to school and pursue higher education at our institution. That is priceless," Arlen Garcia, an MATC recruiter, told CBS 58. "Something like this is huge, it's going to be a big impact for these populations because now they will have more opportunities to come and pursue higher education."

The application window for the DACA Plus scholarship program for the 2022-2023 academic year is open now until July 30.

More information can be found by clicking here.

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