Alverno College Becomes First Private Institution to Join Milwaukee Public Schools’ Direct Admit Program

Alverno College and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) announced a new direct admit partnership today, making Alverno the first private institution – and first Hispanic-Serving Institution – in the program. Milwaukee Direct Admit allows high school juniors to apply to colleges through a streamlined application that takes less than ten minutes. The application is free and does not require attachments, an essay or letter of recommendation, removing barriers and providing greater access to higher education. Alverno joins Milwaukee Area Technical College and participating Universities of Wisconsin – including the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee – as institutions that have direct admissions partnerships with MPS.

“The Direct Admit program is particularly critical to first-generation students, taking what can be a daunting process and making it less overwhelming,” said Mariana Sanabria, vice president for enrollment services at Alverno. “Alverno College is deeply committed to providing resources that help our first-generation students, and all of our students, thrive, and this is an important first step in getting students over the hurdles of the college application process.”

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Alverno attracts many young women locally – 61% of the college’s undergraduate students come from the City of Milwaukee, and 76% come from Milwaukee County. Additionally, 70% of Alverno’s incoming undergraduate students are the first in their families to attend college.

“Alverno College is an excellent fit for MPS graduates because of its strong focus on student success,” said Jennifer Mims-Howell, chief academic officer for MPS. “It creates a space where our students feel seen, supported and prepared for meaningful careers, all while staying connected to their community.”

The Alverno Direct Admit application is open to current MPS juniors until June 1, 2026. Students need only supply their name and MPS student ID number, and a parent or guardian must give consent to have the student’s high school records forwarded to any colleges selected. Once accepted, students must complete forms required by the college they choose to attend.

Additional information about Milwaukee Direct Admit can be found on the MPS website.

About Alverno College

Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Alverno College is a four-year independent, Catholic, liberal arts college for women. Founded in 1887 by the School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno promotes the academic, personal and professional development of its students in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Graduate programs, digital badges, degree completion programs and certificate programs are open to all genders. A leader in higher education innovation, Alverno has earned international accolades for its highly effective ability-based, assessment-as-learning approach to education, which emphasizes hands-on experience and develops in-demand skills. The college, Wisconsin’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution, ranks among the top schools in the Midwest for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and innovation by U.S. News & World Report.