Michael Peeples a, 1998, MATC graduate and Executive Assistant of Running Rebels Community Organization is a leader.

David Bradford, a member of the Running Rebels Community Organization said, “Mike is my mentor. At thirteen, I carried a gun to school and was put on the FA (Firearm Supervision) program where I met Damon Shoates.”

Bradford, said, “Then, I met Mike through the Youth Workers program. He got us a job and got us in the Investment Club. I like Mike, because his objective was to help us get our future right. He still contacts me now.”

Peeples stated, “I transferred from San Francisco State University and enrolled in MATC, Spring Semester, 1996. The biggest transition for me was balancing my social life from education. When I was in San Francisco, going to school, I didn’t have the same friends I grew up with; I was in a new environment.”

Peeples continued, “When I came back to Milwaukee and started attending MATC I had old influences because I didn’t let go of them. One semester, I withdrew from a class to get myself in order. I got a job and it satisfied my expenses and I no longer had time to hang out with old friends. Transportation was another problem in which was solved when I received a UPass.”  

Peeples was baffled when the University of Milwaukee wanted him to attend their school.

Peeples said, “I wasn’t a basketball player, but UWM wanted me. They told me I can come over and be a junior, but I wanted the MATC Liberal Arts Degree.”

Peeples graduated from MATC with his degree in 1998 and then in 2002 he graduated from UWM with a Bachelor’s in Marketing and a Minor in Accounting.

“As I step onto every stage of my life I ask myself: ‘What am I supposed to be?’ ‘What am I supposed to do?'” Peeples said.

Amanda O’Day, Grants Coordinator & Mentoring Youth Services Program, said, “I hired Mike. Mike was teaching when he came in.”

O’Day said, “He started part time mentoring and tutoring.  Then, he quickly excelled and was promoted to a full time position as a Youth Advocate of our Serious Chronic Offenders Program.”

Victor Barnett, Executive Director and Founder of the Running Rebels Community Organization said, “Mike is great with handling the Administrative duties of the organization and excellent in hands on with the young people and adults. I see Mike continuing to grow with us; one day I won’t be here and I can see him holding my position as Director of Running Rebels.”

Peeples said, “My future is continuing to contribute to the growth of Running Rebels. The more we grow the better we will be as a community.”

Peeples continued, “MATC offers a lot of programs that Running Rebels have and can mean internship opportunities for the students at MATC.”

Peeples said, “We, Running Rebels, have home improvement, daycare, culinary arts (we’ve recently purchased a food truck), cosmetology, entertainment, and graphics.”

For more information go to our website; runningrebels.org.