Griffin Leads Panel Discussion at UCC Event

The United Community Center (UCC) hosted its 2026 College Prep Rally on Tuesday, Aug. 18, and University School of Milwaukee community members were on hand to participate and provide support. The event highlighted UCC’s precollege program, which serves nearly 700 students across 43 area high schools. Of those students, 17 attend USM. The program seeks to increase high school graduation rates, postsecondary enrollment, and career readiness for Hispanics in Milwaukee to ultimately create a stronger community.

During the event, Elaine Griffin, head of Middle School at USM and a UCC board member, moderated a panel of students who have participated in UCC’s precollege program. Griffin asked students about their experience with the program, how it helped them, and how they plan to use the skills they have developed in college and beyond. One of the panelists, USM junior Gisselle De La Rosa ’28, spoke highly of the school’s tennis program and welcoming student body.

“Hearing the students reflect upon how UCC’s precollege program helped them build confidence and take risks to grow shows the tremendous impact the program has on its participants,” said Griffin.

In addition to the panel discussion, attendees were also treated to a performance by the Latino Arts Strings Program student orchestra, of which several musicians are current USM students. Several USM faculty and staff also attended the event.