FAST Fund Free Laptop Program - What Students Need to Know

FAST Fund offers a free laptop program to help currently enrolled Milwaukee Area Technical College students who cannot afford a computer. The application is simple and quick, and eligible students can receive a laptop at no cost, helping them stay connected and succeed academically. Laptops are provided in partnership with United Way and Digital Bridge.

Who’s eligible?

• Must be actively enrolled at MATC in the current semester

• No GPA or credit minimums

• Program is designed to close technology gaps

• One free laptop per student, per lifetime

Important notes before applying:

• Students are responsible for care, setup, and maintenance of the laptop

• Keep track of emails/passwords—devices can’t be unlocked by FAST Fund

• Report hardware/software issues ASAP; replacements may be possible

• Lost or damaged laptops cannot be replaced

After you apply:

• A reviewer may contact you within 48–72 hours by email or phone

• Approved: Complete a Digital Bridge survey, then pick up your laptop

• Waitlisted: You’ll be notified if more laptops become available

• Denied: Common reasons include prior receipt, income threshold, or already having a suitable device (appeals welcomed if circumstances changed)

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MATC Accounting Student Spotlight — Citerra Robinson

Student Spotlight 

Citerra Robinson grew up in Hopkins Park, Illinois and brings a wide range of work experience to MATC. She started working in fast food and retail before spending eight years as a Telecommunications Operator at Aurora Sinai Medical Center, a role she found especially meaningful. Today, she is a stay-at-home mother and entrepreneur, running Her Purpose Finance, a business focused on helping people build financial stability.

Citerra returned to school to gain formal education that supports the financial work she has already been doing for years. She chose Accounting because it connects directly to her experience helping others create budgets, reduce debt, and rebuild credit. She plans to graduate in early 2027 and hopes to continue growing her business while working toward becoming a CPA.

Returning to college at 36 has renewed her passion for learning and strengthened her determination to succeed. Outside of school, her focus is on family life and her business. Community service is an big part of her values. She and her husband assembled and personally delivered 70 care packages to people experiencing homelessness, an act of service she sees as a reflection of her faith and desire to help others.

Through her college experience, Citerra hopes to strengthen her skills and knowledge so she can make an greater impact supporting both individuals and businesses.

 

MATC Acctg Students: Earn While You Learn with the WI Department of Revenue!

Attention MATC Acctg Students:

Graduating soon with an associate degree in accounting? The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) is now accepting applications for its Audit Gateway Program, a paid opportunity that allows students to gain auditing experience while completing a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Program Highlights

• Position: Auditor Trainee (Tax Representative 3)

• Start date: June 15, 2026

• Summer: Full-time (40 hrs/week) training

• School year: Full-time or part-time (minimum 24 hrs/week)

• Coursework: Up to 6 hours/week allowed during work time

Students will learn to audit individual income tax returns, review credit claims, and assist with audits across the department.

Tuition Assistance

• Up to 3 years of tuition assistance

• $5,250/year tax-free under IRC Section 127 (amounts above may be taxable)

Apply Now

• Interviews are ongoing, starts June 2026

• Apply via wisc.jobs, the flyer barcode, or this link:
  https://wj.wi.gov/psc/wisjobs/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Action=U&Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&SiteID=1&FOCUS=Applicant&JobOpeningId=19247&PostingSeq=1

Student Spotlight: Jada Moore, Accounting Assistant Program

 

Student Spotlight: Jada Moore, Accounting Assistant Program

Jada Moore’s journey is a powerful example of resilience and determination. After experiencing the tragic loss of her father, Jada stepped away from school - but with support from Checota MATC Scholarship Program, she returned stronger than ever.

Highlights:

• Accounting Assistant student and Checota Scholar

• Completed her diploma with a 4.0 GPA (Fall 2025)

• Member of the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs and the National Association of Black Accountants

• Found her passion for accounting after working in the financial services field

Jada’s story shows how perseverance and support can change the course of a student’s future.

👉 Read the full story:

https://www.matc.edu/news/2025/12/checota-scholar-jada-moore-fall-2025.html

MATC Student Spotlight: Andar Muhammad at the AAA Foundation Two-Year Bridge Symposium

MATC accounting student Andar Muhammad attended the AAA Foundation Two-Year Bridge Symposium in Chicago-an event designed to connect community college students with Big 4 professionals and highlight transfer, internship, and career pathways in accounting.

Biggest Takeaway

Andar said the symposium showed him how broad and exciting the accounting field truly is. “Accountants are in every industry-from small businesses to international celebrities,” he said, noting the experience broke the stereotype of accounting being dull or narrow.

Two personal interactions made the biggest impact:

• PwC Partner Brian Crane shared how he started at a community college and how the CPA license opened doors-including global travel and even negotiating deals for Beyoncé.

• During speed networking, PwC’s Michael Fablio encouraged Andar after hearing he’d returned to school in his 40s with a family. Fablio shared a similar path and offered advice about the Enrolled Agent certification and pursuing the CPA-support that helped ease Andar’s worries.

Connections Made

Andar connected with his table group-students and a PwC professional-and is excited to follow their careers on LinkedIn.

Career Impact

He left the symposium with clear guidance: start early on CPA prep, get involved in accounting organizations, explore internships ahead of time, and use resources like Gleim or Becker. Learning that 75% of CPAs are nearing retirement reinforced that now is a great time to enter the field.

Advice for Future Attendees

“Take notes, ask questions, and make connections.”

What To Apply Next

Andar plans to join an accounting organization, begin early CPA preparation, and start mapping out internships and transfer options.

Thank you Andar for sharing your story!

Food Assistance for MATC Students

Attention MATC students:  There is immediate assistance for food, housing, healthcare and more:

• CommUnity Day: All CommUnity Day events run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates:
  • Tomorrow, November 5: Downtown Milwaukee Campus, Third Floor Student Lounge
  • November 12: Mequon Campus 
  • November 19: Oak Creek Campus
  • December 3: West Allis Campus
• Visit Student Life offices at all campus locations or log in to Campus Labs to see all resources and events. 

🌟 Student Spotlight: Janae Sampson new Fellowship with Milwaukee Bucks — Accounting Excellence in Action

The MATC Accounting Department is proud to recognize Janae Sampson, an outstanding student whose achievements exemplify leadership, professionalism, and perseverance. ⭐

Janae was just selected for the Milwaukee Bucks Fellowship Program, a distinguished partnership between Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and the Milwaukee Bucks. This paid fellowship provides current Business & Management Pathway students from diverse backgrounds with immersive, hands-on experiences and exposure to careers in Sports and Entertainment.

Earlier this summer, she was also accepted into Howard University’s Accounting Scholars Development Program (ASDP), a highly selective national initiative that cultivates the next generation of accounting and finance professionals.

In addition to her academic achievements, Janae brings a strong professional background in consulting and financial systems management in the rental housing industry.  She empowers entrepreneurs by providing bookkeeping and financial reporting services—helping small business owners strengthen their financial foundations.  Janae balances it all as a dedicated mom and mentor to her peers. Her remarkable dedication to growth, excellence, and service truly embodies the spirit of MATC.

Congratulations, Janae! Your accomplishments continue to inspire our students, faculty, and community.