| The program has come a long way since 1999 when PEOPLE started with 66 ninth-graders from Milwaukee public high schools. These students are now completing college degrees and/or entering the workforce. As of this year, more than 1,200 students participate at some level. Prof. Hardin L.K. Coleman, Associate Dean of Education, who hosted and emceed the ceremonies, thanked all PEOPLE supporters for their financial contributions and otherwise, and congratulated the parents and the participating students for a job well done. Keynote speaker Sen. Spencer Coggs said, "The PEOPLE program is an empowerment program because in Wisconsin, we have an achievement canyon. PEOPLE bridges that canyon as its mission is to get more students of color to college." Coggs stressed that PEOPLE is a pipeline, and that students should always think of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream" where "PEOPLE program will help you achieve your dream." Madison PEOPLE speaker Cydny Black of James Madison Memorial High School talked about how she has benefited from the program. She said it helped her develop her confidence and maturity and that it was the place where she met friends that she can never forget. For her part, Milwaukee PEOPLE speaker Hnia Vang of Rufus King High School was self-confident to state unequivocably, "I will graduate. The program has not only enriched my life but my future. The PEOPLE is about the success of education." The success of PEOPLE is attributed to the response of the parents, the k-12 education partners, the foundation provided by the University of Wisconsin, and the private corporations that provide financial contributions. The program has become a solid pipeline for students of color and low-income students to make college education accessible to them. Through PEOPLE, these highly motivated students enter a rigorous path that develops their study skills, explore their career interests, and obtain a positive experience inside a world-class campus -- the University of Wisconsin. The most recent celebration of students' achievements featured a violin performance by Andrew Humphrey from the Milwaukee School of the Arts. He played beautifully Mozart's concerto in G Major. A very special dance performance that gracefully integrated African, Caribbean, and Asian dance movements was introduced by Crystal Marie Moten who taught the special numbers to a diverse group of girls in six weeks. PEOPLE assistant Director Jacqueline DeWalt announced the "PEOPLE College Scholars -Freshman Class of 2006, and emphasized that 31 of the 72 students have been in the program for six years, "more than enough proof of the commitment of the students to higher education." Awards and recognitions were handed to outstanding PEOPLE students as well as PEOPLE's leading donors. |
| Recognizing PEOPLE by Heidi M. Pascual |
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| Keynote Speaker State Sen. Spencer Coggs (left) with Dr. Paul Barrows |
| (Above left) Dr. Ruby Paredes; Crystal Marie Moten; (below) Duende Dancers |
| Dr. Hardin L.K. Coleman |
| There's no question that the PEOPLE (Pre-College Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence) is the University of Wisconsin's most successful attempt at improving campus diversity. Witnessing the third annual Recognition Banquet at the Kohl's Center July 28 in honor of the PEOPLE high school students who completed the program and the UW-Madison's Fall 2006 PEOPLE scholars (attended by hundreds of well-wishers, including parents and families of color) was an awesome sight. |
| PEOPLE Program: Why is it needed? From UW-Madison Nationwide, statistics continue to show a disproportionately low percentage of students of color and low-income students enroll in and graduate from college. Numerous studies have demonstrated enrollment and graduation rates can be increased by pre-college programs that (a) encourage students to aspire to opportunities available through higher education and (b) assist students in developing critical academic skills. PEOPLE challenges motivated students by providing personal discovery, academic improvement and career exploration. Throughout the program, students demonstrate an increased understanding for college life and expectations as well as improved confidence in their academic abilities and preparation. WHO PARTICIPATES? PEOPLE currently serves students in the Madison, Milwaukee, Racine, and Waukesha public school districts, and the Ho-Chunk, Menominee, and Lac Courte Oreilles Nations to be joined by Lac du Flambeau and Bad River Nations in 2006. For Madison-area residents, the six-year program begins in the summer when students have completed the sixth grade and continues until the students have graduated from high school. All other PEOPLE locations accept students when they are in ninth grade. Priority for admission is given to students eligible for the free and reduced hot lunch program. Upon graduation from high school, each PEOPLE student who is admitted to UW-Madison and completes the Bridge-to-College Program will be eligible for a tuition scholarship for up to five years. When PEOPLE students are...provided at an early age with academic enrichment and enhancement to prepare them for college eligibility; ...and are positively influenced by many individuals along their journey: * parents and counselors keep students motivated and on task * teachers and UW mentors encourage, challenge and instruct * peer interaction builds lasting bonds and a social support network ...they are unstoppable! * 99% graduate from high school * 94% enroll in higher education * 67% enter UW-Madison or other UW System School * 92% average retention rate at UW-Madison * 89% have GPAs above 2.75 * 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 cohorts who completed the pre-college portion of PEOPLE. PEOPLE differs from other pre-college programs by working with students, families, teachers and counselors to provide the sustained individual attention critical for being academically, psychologically and culturally prepared to succeed at the college academic level. As of September 30, 2005 there were 51 elementary students, 300 middle school, 620 high school and 234 college students in the program. PEOPLE is a partnership between UW-Madison, the students and their parents, teachers, counselors and administrators in school districts in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and the Menominee, Ho-Chunk and Lac Courte Oreilles Nations. THE GOALS 1. Retain pre-college students of color and those from low-income households in school. 2. Help them graduate as motivated, focused young adults who are academically prepared to go to college. 3. Increase enrollment and graduation rates of students from diverse backgrounds as intregal to the university's mission. WHAT IT TAKES TO GET THERE... * THE VILLAGE - Everyone, from university administrators and after-school tutors to parents and teachers, has created a college-going culture around these students. * INDIVIDUAL PERSEVERANCE - Once PEOPLE students emerge on campus and realize they can achieve their dreams, they are unstoppable. * RIPPLE EFFECT - Success is infectious - students who started in the program five and six years ago are setting a positive example. Undergraduates, called PEOPLE Scholars and funded by a grant from the SBC Foundation, are now reaching back as tutors, mentors and role models to pull younger students through the pipeline. * GRASSROOTS Word-of-mouth among educators, counselors and students has generated positive awareness for a PEOPLE as a pre-college program that works. WHAT'S NEW? PEOPLE Prep is a community-based tutoring partnership with Packer and Northport Community Learning Centers in Madison. Fifty-one second through fifth-graders work with UW education majors and volunteer tutors from PEOPLE and Posse. Read more about PEOPLE Prep. PEOPLE-to-PEOPLE is a young performing arts troupe preparing a premier spring showcase for 2006. We are pleased to now offer professional theater training and public stage experience for the extraordinarily talented youth we have in the program. Read more about PEOPLE-to-PEOPLE. STARTING MAY 2006, significant numbers of participants will begin to graduate each year from UW-Madison prepared to: * fill management and technical positions in the public and private sectors, * pursue graduate studies leading to careers in academia or the professions, and * assume leadership positions with the nation's civic and community institutions. "The program's success would not be possible without all those who shared a vision during the early years. When greater opportunities are given to students of color and low-income youth, we all reap the advantages a diversity of voices brings to our campus and our world." -- Walter Lane, Assistant Dean, School of Education |
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