Advantages of Participating

The M3C Fellows Program is really about addressing an underlying need.  The reality is that postsecondary education is becoming less affordable. In the past four years tuition has increased an average of 45% at public institutions in our nine-state region. As tuition increases, fewer students are able to afford college without incurring debt or diverting time from studies to work. Nearly 3 of 4 full time students work while attending school, and more than 60% of these students work 25 or more hours per week. The academic and financial pressures associated with these tuition increases disproportionately impact low-income and first generation college students. Nearly one-half of college students fail to complete undergraduate programs in less than 6 years. Retention rates are even lower for financially stressed students, and these students are less able to be involved in community service and other forms of civic engagement.

Participation in the M3C Program gives each individual institution the chance to increase retention rates, and provide much needed possibilities and resources for their students.  Each participating campus will have the opportunity to make connections between their institution and the surrounding community, form meaningful connections with their students, and know that they are reaching far and above today’s expectation of what higher education is supposed to offer students.

What is an M3C f ellow?

M3C fellows are people who are enrolled in our AmeriCorps Education Award Program.  In our case “fellow” is synonymous with “member”.

What is a Campus Fellowship Coordinator (CFC)?

The Campus Fellowship Coordinator is the person who has assumed responsibility for the coordination and management of the M3C Fellows AmeriCorps Program at their participating campus.

What is the state network office?

Campus Compact has an innovative organizational structure that includes both a national office and 30 state network offices; “state network office” means your Campus Compact state network office; each state network office participating in the M3C Program has identified a primary contact for the M3C Fellows AmeriCorps Program.  See a list of Campus Compact state network offices.

What is the regional office?

Wisconsin Campus Compact is coordinating the M3C Fellows AmeriCorps Program; “regional office” refers to the staff responsible for the M3C Fellows AmeriCorps Program housed at
Wisconsin Campus Compact (at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside in Kenosha, Wisconsin).