UW-Madison to cover tuition, fees for Madison College ‘Scholars of Promise’

Officials from Madison Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin–Madison inked a memorandum of understanding today that will allow students who receive financial assistance through Madison College’s “Scholars of Promise” program and are admitted to UW–Madison to complete their bachelor’s degree at UW–Madison without bearing the cost of tuition and fees.

Under the agreement, Scholars of Promise students who earn their associate degree and are admitted to UW–Madison will receive two years’ tuition and fees at UW–Madison to complete their baccalaureate degree. Of nearly 150 students who are members of the first “Scholars” class, nearly one-third have expressed their intention to transfer to UW–Madison.

“These deserving students have proven to be hard-working, resourceful and persistent,” said Dr. Jack Daniels, president of Madison College. Daniels said these students are abundantly equipped with the academic acumen and boundless capacity to acquire new knowledge and skills.

For some of these students, Daniels said, “An associate degree is their end goal, and that’s great,” adding that earning a degree, diploma or certificate at any level presents more opportunities and leads   to a brighter future for graduates with these credentials.  But, “Many of these students have come to realize the effort they invest in going to college will pay righteous dividends in the future. Today’s agreement provides our Scholars of Promise unabated access to a bachelor’s degree.”

Though finances are among the greatest barriers students face, UW–Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank says the commitment to student success extends far beyond covering the cost of tuition.

“We know that Madison College transfer students are more likely to succeed at UW–Madison if they have a community of people to turn to when they need help as we will work with Madison College students to make sure they are familiar with our campus before it is time to transfer so they will be in a position to succeed,” Blank said.

To improve access and success, the institutions will partner to offer workshops hosted at Madison College on topics specific to the transfer process, financial wellness, advising and other areas considered to be foundational for success.

While attending Madison College, its Scholars of Promise will receive access to UW–Madison experiences and facilities so that they can become familiar with campus before it is time to transfer.

“We are excited about this important new partnership and look forward to working with Madison College to make a UW–Madison degree affordable for more of their students,” said Blank.

For more information about Madison College’s Scholars of Promise program, visit madisoncollege.edu/scholars-of-promise or call the Scholars of Promise office at 608.246.6036.