Milwaukee high school student has nursing license thanks to MPS college program

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) students can earn college credits for free through the M3 College Connections program which began in 2018.

Imunique Triplett was just a sophomore when she started taking college courses at MATC. Now, she has her nursing license and has a head start in her career.

"Not a lot of people get that opportunity to start college classes while in high school, let alone come out with a degree from it. It has definitely been like the best thing that I've partaken in, in my entire life," said Triplett.

Triplett is on her way to success and bigger things at just 18 years old. She's a month away from graduating high school and recently passed her exam to get licensed and certified as a nurse. All of this, thanks to the M3 College Connections program.

"M3 College Connections is a program that's a partnership between MATC, UWM and Milwaukee Public Schools. It's really working to build pipelines for students to start college early," said James Sokolowski, the post-secondary engagement coordinator for MPS.

"It was very intimidating at first because I didn't think that I would be able to successfully do it, let alone when I really didn't understand what I was really getting into," said Triplett.

This opportunity is offered to all MPS high schoolers for free, saving students thousands of dollars in their college education by giving them the opportunity to complete their high school graduation requirements while earning college credits.

"Imunique, in particular, she's just really stepped up to the plate to be successful in the program in a way that I hope will be able to be an example for other students," said Sokolowski.

And it wasn't easy. She had to find a balance and make some changes to her social life to juggle it all, but she accomplished it and even finished the program early. She took her oath and was pinned as a nurse in December. She will be attending Marquette in the fall to continue her education in nursing on a pre-med track and hopes other students take advantage of this opportunity.

"For many of us, this wasn't around, and so building out those pathways and those pipelines for our students as you move along in the 21st century, it just is invaluable," said Sokolowski.

"It has been extremely helpful. If I could go back and do it all over again, I wouldn't hesitate to sign up again," said Triplett.

And it's not just nursing, there's also a program for those interested in teaching and education or also a program for students who just want to take general college courses ahead of time.

Recruitment for the program starts shortly after the new year. There are different requirements for each program.

Sokolowski advises students to speak with their student counselor. He also encourages all students to take advantage of the opportunity and apply. To learn more, click here.