The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence, known as PEOPLE, is now accepting applications for fall 2020. MPS eighth grade students should apply to take part in this program through all four years of high school. Attend a session at Rufus King Middle School to learn more. The PEOPLE application is open from January 28 through March 6, 2020.
Application Help Night is set for February 28, 2020, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Reana Smith is a senior at Marshall High School and has been part of the PEOPLE program throughout high school. She learned about PEOPLE from her father and her school counselor. Reana says the program has motivated her to keep her grades up and has given her experiences that will help when she starts college.
“The fact that we have to keep above a 2.7 GPA motivated me to do my best in class,” she said. “Having the chance to stay on campus for three weeks and being away from my family has helped me know what to expect in college. The summer classes we’ve taken have kept my mind active over summer break and helped me get ahead for the next school year.”
PEOPLE started 20 years ago with 66 high school students from Milwaukee. It has graduated 526 students, of which 253 attended Milwaukee Public Schools. The PEOPLE journey prepares first-generation and low-income students to be ready for college, apply for admission, and enroll at UW System institutions, with an emphasis on UW–Madison.
Upon enrollment in this program, which is available in 17 MPS high schools, each student is assigned a precollege advisor and receives support through all four years of high school. Students also get help for the college application process. Those who are accepted at UW–Madison may be eligible for a four-year tuition scholarship and support services from the PEOPLE College Scholars Program.
To find out more, visit the PEOPLE website, watch a short video, or download an event flyer or information flyer.
Questions can be emailed to people@cdo.wisc.edu.
Rufus King International Middle School is located at 121 E. Hadley St. in Milwaukee. Enter on Palmer Street.
