Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) continues to benefit from the longstanding PEOPLE program, which has been instrumental in supporting students from high school through to college graduation since its inception in 1999. This pre-college initiative, which also serves Madison Public Schools, provides crucial resources and guidance to students, particularly those aiming to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The PEOPLE program offers significant financial advantages to MPS, with staffing costs exceeding $700,000 annually covered by the program, alongside an additional $500,000 allocated for student programming. Students who successfully complete the program and gain admission to UW-Madison are eligible for a substantial tuition scholarship valued at over $10,000 per year.

Notably, the program has fostered a cycle of success, with many alumni returning to MPS as educators and administrators, contributing to the community that once supported them. The program's expansion to include middle school students aims to enhance early preparation for higher education, ensuring that more students can realize their college aspirations.

The ongoing partnership between MPS and the PEOPLE program underscores a commitment to educational equity and the importance of financial support in achieving academic goals.