Pre-College Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE)™
PEOPLE unites urban public schools, Native American tribal governments/schools and the state's flagship university toward a common goal: college matriculation for underserved targeted ethnic and racial, and/or low-income and first generation college students. The program is involved in many Wisconsin communities, including Madison, Middleton, Sun Prairie, Verona, Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Waukesha and all federally recognized American Indian Nations within the state of Wisconsin. PEOPLE accepts highly motivated students into a rigorous sequential program that begins in the sixth grade for Madison area residents and in the ninth grade for targeted urban school districts across the state and on American Indian Reservations.
Outcomes
Academic enrichment and career exploration has dramatically increased high school graduation and college retention rates since the program began in 1999. Approximately 1,300 students have participated each year. Seventy-nine percent maintain a 3.0 GPA and above. Of those who completed the program, 100 percent graduated from high school and 96 percent attended college. PEOPLE seeks a broad impact through the professional development of 125 exceptional teachers from participating school districts each summer. Middle and high school educators attend credited professional development seminars discussing issues in science, math and literacy, as well as strategies for better teaching strategies.
Focus Areas
Project Leader
Jacqueline Dewalt
Director
- Department/Unit
- Division of Diversity Equity and Educational Achievement - Vice Provost Office of Diversity and Climate
- School or College
- University Administration