Feb. 25, 2024 3p
(WGTD)---A new program at Gateway Technical College aims to increase the graduation rate for African-American men who enroll.
For Black History Month, a WGTD Saturday morning program focused on the 'Men of Color Scholars' initiative, which is led by Samuel Lopez. Lopez said the grant-funded program offers counseling, academic support and in general simply strives to create a 'community of belonging.'
Lopez was joined on the "Fab Lab at 10" program by Gateway alumnus George Morgan.
Morgan went back to school after being laid off from his manufacturing job in Milwaukee. That’s despite being out of school for 15 years, and having a family of six to support.
He graduated six years ago and is now making a good living at Oak Creek’s wastewater treatment plant.
Morgan views himself as an example of what others can do. "Everybody thinks it's either too late or it's just some crazy uphill battle that nobody can accomplish," said Morgan. "I had six kids and my father at the time was battling cancer and I eventually moved him in with us all the while I'm in school."
"I was on the Dean's list all the way through. It can be done. I'm not trying to sound like I'm a martyr or something but it can be done. It does (however) take a lot of hard work."
Fab Lab at 10 is co-hosted by Gateway Fab Lab coordinator John Zehren and Civil Engineering instructor Steve Whitmoyer.
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